Volume 13, Issue 6 — March 19, 2015
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Industry News Displays Control & Signal Processing Projection Digital Signage Audio Unified Collaborative Conferencing Cables, Cases, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens & Accessories
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AV People: Gina Sansivero of FSR Inc. and Project Green AV
By Molly Stillman rAVe Contributor
Like so many of us, as a young girl, Gina Sansivero was a little unsure of “what she wanted to be when she grew up.” Coming from an Italian family, she knew she loved the language and she knew she enjoyed children, so she went to study at Fordham University.
She started out with a major in secondary education with a focus on Italian education. At the time, the program was brand new and there were some challenges as it was being built. Gina decided to change her focus to elementary education, but it didn’t take her long to realize she didn’t love it.
“I knew I wanted to help people, I knew I wanted to have that connection with people, I knew I wanted to make people feel comfortable in my presence, and I knew I wanted to relate to people,” explained Gina, “I just knew it wasn’t in elementary ed. So I ended up majoring in psychology because I ended up being fascinated with the biological aspect of it all.”
At the age of 20, Gina left Fordham and went back to a local school on Long Island near where she grew up. She commuted to school, worked in marketing at a medical components company and continued with her degree, finally graduating with a Bachelors of Arts in psychology.
“When I finished my degree, the medical device company I was working for asked me to come on full time,” Gina said. “So I went from a part time marketing assistant to full-time marketing coordinator, then into product management, and then into product development. I kept moving up in the company until I felt like I had hit my plateau.”
After six or seven years at the company, Gina wanted a new challenge. She started looking in the marketing field and found a position in marketing at a tech startup called Eele Laboratories, a R&D engineering optics firm.
During that time, Gina’s love for technology and AV began to grow.
“I worked really well with my boss,” she explained, “And he took me under his wing and mentored me and really fostered my love for AV. He knew a lot of people and he just sort of threw you into the mix — but he knew I could handle it. He knew I had to sink or swim, but he gave me just enough support so that I could figure everything out for myself without feeling like I was alone.”
A few years later, in 2007, Eele Laboratories decided to shut down the relamping department of the company. A friend and colleague of Gina’s, Paul, who was at the time the director of engineering for Eele decided to take on the challenge of marking the revamping department its own company because he saw a lot of potential there. He wanted it to be a continuation of what they’d already built. Paul asked Gina to join him and then a year later, made her a partner in the business. Together they morphed it into its own entity with the clients, suppliers, and all the relationships they had built at Eele. That began Gina’s tenure at Relampit and even further fueled her love for AV and her passion for green AV. In fact, in 2008, Gina started a company and forum called Project Green AV to serve as a resource for the AV industry.
Last year, Gina left Relampit to pursue a position as director of business development for education, focusing on higher education and K-12, with FSR Inc. Having spent many years studying education, she loves that many of her passions are coming together now.
“What I love is that since I did have some in-class time as a student teacher back in college, I get to see the differences between then and now,” she explained. “When I was in school, teaching with technology was so new and there was only one course offered. Today, you can’t get your certification without taking a technology in education course. It’s amazing how things have changed.”
Outside of her life in AV, Gina’s family is the most important thing in the world to her — it always has been. She has a son, Christopher Joseph, and a 110-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback / Bull Mastiff mix named Rocco.
“My grandparents came here in the late 1940s from Italy,” Gina said. “My grandfather was a carpenter living in Brooklyn. He had fought in World War II for Italy and, at the time, my grandmother was living here but left, went back to Italy to marry my grandfather, and brought him back here.
“My grandfather then bought an acre of land in the middle of Long Island and built a house in the middle of it. He then divided the land into four different zones… each of the zones were given to my aunts, my uncles and my parents. I literally grew up on a block where my cousins, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and parents were together every day. It was really an amazing way to grow up. You just don’t see that level of support anymore. Having your neighbors be your family was so special.”
Today, Gina, her son Christopher, and their dog Rocco live about three and a half miles up the road from her parents. They still spend a lot of time with family.
“We do all the holidays together and we love to take on projects together,” she said. “This past summer we jarred over 100 jars of tomatoes. Every year in October, we make about 120 gallons of wine… we crush the grapes, we bottle it, everything. Anything that we can do together as a family, we do. We never take it for granted.”
Gina’s passion for her family, AV, and mentoring is evident in so much of what she does. Her advice to newer members of the industry is poignant, “Find a mentor you trust implicitly,” she said. “If I hadn’t found Wayne, my mentor, and hadn’t understood my personality and what was needed to push me into success, I would not be as far into the industry as I am now. I believe his guidance and the ability to read the type of person I am was paramount in helping me succeed.
“So find that mentor, and trust them. Don’t question yourself or them.” Leave a Comment
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InfoComm: Why Loyalty Matters to Manufacturers and What They Can Do to Earn It
By Michael Bridwell Digital Projection
“You seem to really prefer working with the ____ rep team. Why is that exactly?”
As a member of a hardware manufacturer, I am part of an elite group. Depending on the economic cycle, product curve, or current trend of the moment, I’m allowed to vent about shifting bid specs, slow payables, having to predict the future of certifications and standards, etc. Note that I’m not saying I should — I’m simply highlighting the fact that the way of the manufacturer is oftentimes a trying path. Coming to terms with the feeling that your control is limited — and that sometimes things happen to you, not because of you — is an important part of coming to peace with the life of a manufacturer.
Here’s one thing I’m not allowed to whine about — dealer loyalty. Make no mistake – it’s a massive disappointment when someone you respect switches a bid to a competitor with no explanation. In fact, many of my industry peers assume that this is simply the way the industry works. Dealer loyalty is considered by many to be rare and largely an element of timing and convenience. Although I’m an optimistic person by nature, I recently realized that I too held some of these perceptions.
It took a casual conversation with a consultant to help me remember that loyalty is something precious, should be given only to those who prove worthy of it, and should be rewarded generously when received.
Why?
A loyal dealer (consultants as well) can see through the rough patches that all manufacturers experience. And every single manufacturer will experience these times of crisis. Dealers who are loyal to your brand feel they’re a part — a stakeholder if you will — of the manufacturer’s culture. Give an entrepreneurially-focused business person the insight they need to insulate their clients from these patches — before they have issues — and you’ve just made them a real partner.
Here’s a simple action that can encourage this partnership. Don’t hide a known issue from your loyal group, and don’t be afraid to let them know that you don’t have all the answers — yet. Allow them to protect their clients and even unfortunate product issues can help strengthen a bond with your best dealers.
The question that began this article emerged from the same conversation referenced above during a recent manufacturers rep roadshow. And what was the answer?
“I prefer them because when I need them, they respond. Consistently.”
What is the single trait that a manufacturer (and that includes manufacturers reps as well) can display that will consistently engender loyalty? Responsiveness. Don’t just say you’re there as a resource. Prove you care about a dealer’s business by answering the late panicky service call. Put in the extra effort to ensure their bid is rock solid, or help them re-engineer it to ensure their end-user is deliriously happy with the end result. Even if it drops the profit on the single sale.
Successful dealers and consultants did not stumble into their healthy positions. They think strategically about the products and solutions that will bring them both short- and long-term profitability. They typically treat their work as a critical, integrated aspect of their daily life. They’re working hard, oftentimes seven days a week, to specify and sell your solutions. And oftentimes, they want a partner.
So when you can, answer that email sent early Saturday morning by the loyal dealer. And omit the “I’ll do it if there’s a PO attached” attitude while you’re responding. Long-term loyalty is worth so much more than that single purchase order.
This column was reprinted with permission from InfoComm International and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
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Registration Now Open for InfoComm 2015 in OrlandoRegistration is open for the top ProAV show in North America, InfoComm. This year’s event will be held in Orlando from 13-19 June with exhibits being open the 17-19 June. You can register here.
AV pros, tech managers, integrators and manufacturers attend the InfoComm show for the same reasons: to see and interact with what’s new; to learn the ins and outs of the industry; and to connect with people who are as passionate about what they do as you are.
Not sure if you should attend? Well, check out our MicroSite from InfoComm 2014 where we posted over 1500 new product videos, over 2000 photos of booths, recorded over 25 live podcasts and wrote over 300 blogs and new product news stories. After looking at that, how can you NOT come?
This is the flagship commercial AV show and it’s held in one of America’s most fun cities: Orlando. Please come to InfoComm — register here. Leave a Comment
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SnapAV Launches Two New Brands — Nearus Conferencing Cameras and Sense Microphones SnapAV has announced the launch of two new brands: Nearus, a line of user-friendly conferencing cameras; and Sense, a complete line of microphones for use in presentations, conferencing and commercial environments.
Nearus cameras will provide “BYOD” — or bring your own device — service that makes it easy for users to stay connected. These smart cameras were designed to pair with any PC via USB 2.0 or 3.0, eliminating hassle associated with typical conferencing equipment.
More information on Nearus is here. More information about Sense is here. Leave a Comment
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Almo Professional A/V and the HDBaseT Alliance Join to Offer Installer Expert Program Almo Pro A/V and the HDBaseT Alliance have announced that the HDBaseT Installer Expert Program will be available for the first time outside a major industry tradeshow during Almo’s E4 AV Tour. The program provides attendees with an HDBaseT Expert Certificate and InfoComm CTS Renewal Units and is available on the spring leg of the E4 tour, taking place in Chicago on March 26 and Southern California on April 21.
The HDBaseT Installer Expert Training Program is targeted at installers and integrators who would like to learn more about HDBaseT technology, with relevant content to both the beginner and the expert installer. It includes modules pertaining to technology principles, installation tips and best practices, product certification and interoperability, and a hands-on tutorial and demonstration. At the conclusion of the course, attendees receive an “HDBaseT Expert Certificate” along with 1.5 InfoComm Renewal Units.
E4 Chicago is taking place on March 26 at the Drury Lane Conference Center in Oakbrook, IL. E4 Southern California will be on April 21 at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. Both will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and are complimentary events, including parking, for Almo Pro A/V’s reseller, integrator and consultant partners. To register, go here. Leave a Comment
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NSCA Forms Member Advisory Council to Help Integrators Address Challenges NSCA has announced the formation of its Member Advisory Council, a group of professionals from within the systems integration industry who can share insights and best practices with NSCA members based upon their real-life experiences and knowledge.
The Member Advisory Council (MAC) provides NSCA members direct access to business coaches with decades of professional practice at discounted rates:
- Bob Lobascio, Corporate Sales Coaches: Sales training and management, customer service, leadership, employee development, and strategic sales account processes
- Dan Newman, BroadSuite Consulting: Digital marketing, social media, content creation
- Nadim Sawaya, Enterprise Performance Consulting: Project and contract management, operations development, service department management, construction metrics and benchmarking, service metrics and benchmarking
- Chuck Wilson, NSCA: Business plans, growth and profitability, multigenerational workforces, disruptive technologies, strategic planning, financial metrics, performance assessments, as well as keynote presentations
- John & Jeanne Stiernberg, Stiernberg Consulting: Market intelligence, research, strategic operations plans, alliances/mergers/acquisitions for manufacturers
To hear the MAC in action, NSCA is offering a Communities of Practice webinar series featuring MAC councilmembers. Beginning on April 2, these webinars are available exclusively for NSCA members at $99 per person per track; they focus on sales, finance, project management, and digital marketing for integrators. To sign up, go here. Leave a Comment
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Christie and D3D Develop Laser Dome System Christie and D3D Cinema have partnered in a joint effort using Christie’s laser projection platform for tilted giant screen dome cinemas. R&D and preliminary testing is underway in conjunction with a host of third-party partners, from veteran dome cinematographers and post-production labs to optics specialists and test bed theaters.
D3D Cinema will be shooting original dome test footage in multiple digital and 70 mm formats in the coming months. Classic 70 mm dome content will be scanned at 11K resolution, mastered and frame-interpolated for laser optimized high dynamic range and high frame rate playback. The world’s first and only projection display capable of reaching Rec2020, Christie laser technology provides the widest color gamut available and the company is designing its laser-illuminated cinema projector solutions to accommodate the configurations necessary for proper dome exhibition. Testing will continue through the summer with an anticipated demonstration to select buyers in the fall of 2015. The system will be made available through D3D to institutional dome giant screen clients with D3D targeting the first rollouts for integration in early 2016.
“Dome theaters have waited a long time for digital projection technology to evolve to a capable solution that can rival or exceed the quality of 70 mm,” said Don Kempf president and founder of D3D. “Just as lasers usher in a new era for dome cinema exhibition, new digital capture technology ushers in a new era for the production of dome-specific content to support the incredible dynamic range of the lasers. We’re proud to have produced multiple films supported by the Giant Dome Theater Consortium and the U.S. Dome Theater Alliance, and we look forward to continued collaboration as we work with their members in their transitions to a more economical, brighter, digital future.”
“The goal with this partnership is no compromise, providing open and flexible high brightness laser projection solutions to the dome cinema market, which allows end users the creative freedom to use the technology to meet the changing needs of their audiences,” said Bryan Boehme, national sales manager, Christie. “Our approach is a dome configuration using a very special, single laser projector situated in the focal sweet spot, incorporating true spherical optics. This is the cleanest image available, without the need to pixel shift, warp, stretch, panel, or overlay the images. The preliminary tests have been eye-opening and we’re convinced theaters will be very impressed by Christie’s ability to achieve higher perceived spatial resolutions through jitter-free image clarity and unparalleled contrast while pushing temporal resolutions to 60 fps and greater. The high frame rates and high dynamic range lasers bring to the table will enhance the immersiveness and realism of the dome viewing experience over anything in any format thus far.”
The D3D and Christie dome laser solution will include options such as DCI-compliant window playback modes and Dolby Atmos surround sound on the groundbreaking Christie Vive audio platform. As the only current supplier to have obtained FDA and international regulatory approvals in the giant screen market space to date, Christie will oversee approvals and variances as necessary. D3D will assist with the application process and seek regional clearances on behalf of clients.
“Giant screen domes are special and provide the inimitable viewer experience combined with the underlying technology necessary to deliver that unique experience,” said Andy Wood, senior vice president at D3D. “Lasers alone provide the illumination and clarity to allow these theaters to convert to a digital platform at long last. It was imperative that D3D and Christie work through the integration complexities of lasers on flat screens before tackling the dome format. Having successfully introduced the world’s first institutional giant screen 6P laser system at Moody Gardens last year, and with a host of installations underway in 2015, it was time to shift our attention to the critically important dome market. We’re tremendously excited about what’s on the horizon.”
Learn all about Christie’s Laser Projection here and D3D here. Leave a Comment
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Pakedge Device & Software Intros Three New Lines of Switches Pakedge Device & Software has introduced three new lines of switches: the fully managed, top tier SX-Series switches, the powerful and affordable SK-Series switches, and the mid-line SE-Series switches.
The SX-Series switches will feature a simple GUI for both traffic management and dynamic configuration to manage large volumes of streaming traffic. In addition to the new GUI, the SX-Switches have two new features – the Zone Wizard with drag and drop functionality simplifies Zone configuration and optimizes network performance while the Pakedge Zone templates reduce set-up time while minimizing configuration errors.
SX-Switches are available in front and rear-facing housings and feature a variety of PoE and PoE+ port configurations to allow complete versatility in installation. Pakedge SX-Switches are also compatible with the BakPak Cloud Monitoring System for remote system monitoring, alerts, and power control (on PoE-enabled switches). Virtual stacking with BakPak allows the user to manage multiple switches as one, regardless of geographic location.
Pakedge SX-Switches are the next level progression of the company’s X-Series range that offers top-of-the-line networking equipment with unprecedented performance, functionality, and flexibility. With powerful capabilities and long-lasting reliability, the Pakedge SX-Series meets the most demanding needs of high bandwidth, low latency applications commonly found in high performance residential A/V and commercial networks. When used in conjunction with high performance Pakedge routers and access points, the network becomes an integrated platform that provides a seamless, scalable and reliable connected experience.
Pakedge’s SK-Switches feature a redesigned GUI making it easier for installers and integrators to access the menus they need. The new GUI is clean and uncomplicated. Encased in all new sleek, luxury housing with curved edges and a brushed aluminum face plate, the SK-Switches contain enterprise grade chip-sets nearly as powerful as the high-end SX-Switches. The SK-Switches are powerful, yet affordable, providing seamless, reliable managed connections ideal for smaller mid-sized networks.
For straightforward jobs, the SE-Switch series is a no nonsense device. SE-Switches are ideal for smaller unmanaged plug and play networks or can be added to larger managed networks for added versatility and extra port space. SE-Switches are great multipurpose devices for low-maintenance networks. Their multiple port configurations and PoE and PoE+ options make them ideal for a number of jobs throughout the network.
The SE-series also includes Pakedge PoE pass-through switches such as the SE-5P2-EP – switches powered by a single PoE+ input and able to provide two ports of PoE power without access to A/C power. These switches are ideal for use in retrofit installations such as attics and basements where wall outlets may be hard to come by. Without A/C power, the PoE pass-through switch can power up to two devices such as wireless access points or IP cameras – enabling flexible setup in even difficult installations without costly and time-consuming rewiring.
All three lines of switches are part of the Pakedge Connect+ Platform – A carefully integrated system of switches, routers, wireless, power management and software technologies, designed specifically to work with each other to deliver seamless, scalable, and reliable multimedia networking performance. When unified with the BakPak Cloud Management System, the functionality of the Pakedge Connect+ Platform is extended with cloud-enabled services such as monitoring and management of all connected devices anywhere, any time, and from any device.
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Almo ProAV is CHARGEDThe two upcoming stops on the Almo Pro A/V E4 AV Tour include Chicago and downtown Los Angeles and this is a must-see show for anyone in those two areas.
Why?
Almo’s E4 AV Tour is unlike any other distributor’s regional show — that’s a fact. It’s not just glitz and glamor, claims of “first-evers” or “best one-day” event, it’s truly a mini-tradeshow that’s surrounded — all day — with InfoComm CTS RU-certified education. No other regional show can claim that. None. In fact, there are more hours of educational seminars than show hours — and, again, all of it is InfoComm CTS RU qualified.
And, now, it’s the first distributor show to include Certified HDBaseT Alliance training – this is the deficit-way to understand HDBaseT technology, products and AV signal distribution techniques.
For the past few years, I have been part of it all — so I am saying this with pure confidence as I have attended every single Almo ProAV E4 Tour – as their keynote speaker. And, for the Chicago and LA events, I will be presenting one of my most popular presentations ever: Being Smart About Smart Buildings
What’s it about? Well, audiovisual technology has virtually always been an afterthought or a retrofit in facility management. When a new building is added to a corporate campus or a new lecture hall is specified on a college campus, the architect generates schematics that include the design of the structure itself, but also layers every single thing that will be installed including power, network, lighting, HVAC, fire and security. And, until recently, there was no accommodation or incentive to add an AV layer — but that’s all about to change. As AV has become a fixture in nearly every facility on the planet over the past decade, there’s been a push to integrate AV into the Building Information Management (BIM) layer.
As you all know, AV has arrived.
We have finally hit the mainstream and crossed 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 the 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.
I am hopeful you will attend but, if you can’t, we will document it all here (on our Almo Pro A/V E4 AV Tour website). Leave a Comment
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Planar Debuts Family of Seamless, Fine-Pitch LED Video Walls Planar Systems announced the Planar DirectLight LED Video Wall System that is available in four resolutions ranging from 1.6 to 3.1 millimeter pitch.
The Planar DirectLight LED Video Wall family is designed for indoor environments, including well-lit public spaces and corporate lobbies, as well as light-controlled conference rooms, auditoriums and control rooms. And, Planar says its DirectLight LED video walls are designed for 24×7 indoor applications — with an architecture designed to make installation and service faster, easier and more precise.
Planar DirectLight offers a modular, seamless LED video wall system in four narrow pixel pitches — 1.6, 1.9, 2.5 and 3.1 millimeters — providing an exceptional visual experience close up, from a distance and at wide viewing angles. With crystal-clear picture quality, flexibility to accommodate almost any indoor environment and the ability to withstand rigorous 24×7 operation, this unique family of video walls represents the next wave in the fast-growing direct-view LED market.
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LG Aims at Affordable Digital Signage Market With New Display Introductions at DSE 2015 LG Electronics USA today introduced an all-new entry-level digital signage monitor series aimed at small- to mid-size business (SMB) markets. The five new models in the SE3B series range from 32- to 65-inches diagonally and claim a bezel width (at its thinnest point) of just 11.9 mm, the thinnest on the market at this price. The new series features conformal circuit board coating, a clear, non-conductive coating that is applied to the circuit boards to help protect the internal circuits from harsh environmental factors such as dust, humidity and grease.
LG’s new series offers the ability to control the signage monitors and distribute content through Wi-Fi by providing two USB ports, one for a USB dongle control and one for content distribution. The series supports third-party device management through Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) standards, allowing businesses to receive notifications and control the monitors remotely. The series also includes upgraded features, including a detachable logo and cable management for a clean and flawless installation.
The SE3B series also allows customers to store a pre-defined image on the panel as back up if the standard inputs fail, giving an even higher level of redundancy and customer satisfaction. Further, with the SE3B series, customers can now use the new Image Sticking Management (ISM) mode that allows better hardware protection and life expectancy of the panel, lowering the total cost of ownership.
The SE3B series is ENERGY STAR 6.0 certified, and consumes 18 percent less energy compared to previous models. To further conserve energy, its Direct Power Management feature allows the circuit network to remain on while the panel can be switched off.
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Extron Adds New Architectural Models to USB Extender Plus Series Extron just launched new models to the USB Extender Plus Series, a family of products that extend signals from USB peripheral devices located up to 330 feet (100 meters) away from the host computer using a single CATx cable. The USB Extender Plus AAP fits into a double‑space Architectural Adapter Plate – AAP opening, providing convenient and elegant architectural USB connectivity. The USB Extender Plus D is a Decora‑style wallplate that fits into a single‑gang wall box. Each extender supports USB 3.0, 2.0, 1.1, and 1.0 devices with data rates up to 480 Mbps. Direct connection of USB peripherals to a remote host eliminates the need for additional IP network drops, equipment, software, or drivers. For streamlined integration, the transmitter includes USB peripheral emulation that supports trouble‑free booting of the host. Also, the receiver features an integrated four‑port hub with 5 Volts, 500 mA available on each port to power attached devices.
The USB Extender Plus Series streamlines integration by avoiding IT‑specific design criteria that may be in conflict with the need to extend KVM in professional AV installations. For increased system reliability, peripheral emulation mimics continuous connection of device to host. Real‑time status LED indicators provide visual confirmation of port activity between an active host and each connected peripheral device.
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BenQ Launches New 5,000 Lumen SU917 ProjectorBenQ America has introduced its new SU917 Colorific projector aimed at large venues.
Featuring 5,000 lumens of brightness, high 7000:1 contrast ratio and WUXGA resolution, BenQ’s all-new SU917 projector equips presenters with content-display capabilities that make images fly off the screen, even in rooms with ambient light. Incredibly easy to set up, the device’s 1.5x big zoom lens provides a wider throw distance range while vertical lens shift capabilities — 120 percent to 145 percent — reduce the need to make frequent adjustments to the projector’s placement. To further facilitate installations, the projector’s 2D keystone (+/- 30) lets users easily align images while corner fit allows installers to adjust the four corners of any projection manually by setting both horizontal and vertical values. A hotkey directly on the remote walks users through a seamless setup process.
Equipped with MHL technology, the SU917 enables streaming and mirroring capabilities for users’ handheld devices, allowing presenters or participants to transfer small-screen content to the big screen directly from any portable unit. For added flexibility, the projector features Wireless Display for cable-free connections to content sources. When paired with BenQ’s QPresenter Pro app, users can transfer files from both iPhone and iPad devices.
Featuring BenQ’s energy-saving SmartEco technology, the SU917 automatically adjusts lamp power by up to 70 percent in order to apply just the right level of brightness. To further increase power savings, an “Eco Blank” mode allows presenters to blank out the screen whenever a source isn’t detected for more than three minutes. For quick rebooting whenever the projector is accidentally switched off, an Instant Restart feature lets users immediately reactivate the SU917 during 90 seconds where power is maintained at 30 percent.
BenQ’s SU917 projector is now shipping. All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Panasonic’s DSE Debuts Include 4K and Video WallsAt the Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas, Panasonic launched the new LFE8U LCD display series that’s aimed at a cost-vs-performance sweet spot. This TH-65LFE8U includes a narrow and even bezel width of 7.5 mm for top and sides and 10.5 mm for bottom and even includes a networked built-in signage player that allows video and still-image playback via USB. Capable of being in portrait and multi-screen landscape configurations, the 1080p resolution LFE8U series is available in 50 – 80” sizes.
In addition to the 1080p LCDs, Panasonic showed their large format LQ70U Series 4K Professional Displays that claim a rugged design. The LQ70U Series includes both 98” and 84” models, featuring protective, impact-resistant glass to allow safe installation in places with high pedestrian traffic, such as train stations, airports, corporate environments and shopping malls.
A very cool projection mapping demo highlighted their booth at DSE as a PT-DZ21KU 3-Chip DLP (20,000 lumens projector) was used along with the ET-D75LE90 ultra short-throw lens with a 0.36 throw ratio to do image mapping on mannequins. Here’s a video we shot of it.
Their PT-RZ670BU 1-Chip DLP WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution laser projector was on display with 6,500 lumens. The PT-RZ670BU is integrated with their HDBaseT solution, branded as DIGITAL LINK.
With an ultra-narrow 0.14” (3.5mm) bezel and 700cd/m² brightness, the 55” TH-55LFV70 LED Video Wall Display was used to demo their LED wall options.
Finally, Panasonic’s new Android and HTML5-based open-platform embedded digital signage players were debuted and they were encouraging third-party applications specifically for digital signage, commercial enterprises and the classroom to be developed. The platform will initially be implemented in 42″, 49″ and 55″ professional displays slated for global release this fall.
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BenQ Intros Interactive 4K Touch Panel, Dual-Sided Display at DSE 2015 BenQ America announced its Digital Signage Expo (DSE) plans and they include the debut of interactive 4K panels, ultra-thin dual-sided screens, bar-type displays, and more.
At DSE 2015, BenQ will be unveiling its 79-inch RP790 interactive panel for the very first time. Featuring 10-touch points, the interactive display allows presentation participants, enterprise collaborators and teachers to interact with 4K UHD content. The panel comes equipped with Eye Care AG (anti-glare) glass to counter light reflection, as well as low blue light technology and flicker-free viewing to reduce eye fatigue. BenQ will also announce the new 55-inch ST550K at the show, which is planned for release later in the year. Featuring 4K resolution, the new panel will allow users to broadcast dynamic content easily using tools such as a powerful built-in multimedia player, USB plug-and-play function, and Multiple Display Administrator (MDA), which allows administrators and IT managers to simplify panel operations and maintenance by easily adjusting content scheduling, on/off powering, and remote monitoring and control.
BenQ’s new DH551F and DH551C ultra-thin dual-sided displays bring full HD content to high-traffic public areas. Featuring 700 nits of high brightness, only 25 mm of thickness, and support for both portrait and landscape modes, the screens offer flexible setup options directly on walls, ceilings, or moveable stands. Designed to broadcast continuous content for up to 50,000 hours, the 55-inch displays provide reliable content delivery via amazingly long life cycles that create more cost-effective campaigns. To enhance flexibility even further, BenQ is introducing new wire-type ceiling mounts to hang the dual-sided screens directly from midair, wall mounts to show content in portrait and landscape modes above passing viewers, and a new stand mount that lets users roll the dual-sided screens to the desired viewing area.
BenQ’s 28-inch BH280 and 38-inch BH380 bar-type displays feature a sleek and slim design to deliver content in any setting, including buses and subway cars, restaurants, government offices, post office counters, banks, convenience stores, or exhibition spaces. Featuring 178/178-degree viewing angles and an ultra-bright 700 nits (BH280) or 800 nits (BH380), the 16:3 and 32:9 format ultra-wide displays combine a Smart Light function that allows viewing in any ambient lighting environments with an amazing average life of 50,000 hours — creating signage solutions that lower total cost of ownership (TCO) via long-lasting brightness and performance. To provide full connectivity, the panels accept DVI and VGA inputs and are both VESA mountable — ensuring simple integration within any existing system for seamless content delivery, an incredibly simple installation process, and reliable performance for any of today’s portrait or landscape preferences.
BenQ will also debut a transparent display series. The TL Series allow consumers to observe both on-screen advertisements and actual products encased inside the transparent boxes — creating a display breakthrough for retail showcase windows, museum exhibitions, and other environments. Available in 32-, 50-, and 65-inch models, the displays can also be custom-built to fit any product placement requirement. Equipped with multiple inputs including USB ports and SD card input (TL320C) for easy media and system integration, the panels provide audio through two built-in 2W speakers for a full-on interactive experience that truly captures the attention of passersby.
All the details will be posted here during DSE. Leave a Comment
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DT Research Launches MA Signage Multi-Screen Media Players DT Research just announced a new line of digital signage players called the MA Multi Screen Appliance series. The so-called “rugged” and compact embedded system players are packaged with the intuitive WebDT Content Manager (WCM) software suite, which includes a menu board design tool, Menu Board Editor, for a turn-key digital signage package to quickly deploy menu boards, transportation signage, and other multiple screen applications.
The MA Signage Appliances provide multiple video connections with 2 to 7 HDMI ports (depending on the model) for up to 1080p or 4k high resolution. The MA1363C/1363B includes the Intel Celeron/Core i7 CPU, integrating 3 video out connectors with 3840×2160 (@24Hz) or 1920×1080 (@60Hz) resolution in a fanless package weighing less than six pounds, while the MA1367C/B also uses the Intel Celeron/Core i7 CPU, but it integrates 7 video out connectors with 3840×2160 (@24Hz) or 1920×1080 (@60Hz) resolution, packaged in a sealed chassis with an external fan for protection from airborne contaminants. The MA1352/1356 is powered with the Intel Celeron Quad Core CPU and has 2 to 6 video out connectors housed in a solid-state, fanless design weighing less than three pounds and the MA102/104 has an ARM CPU with an Android operating system and can power 2 or 4 screens with 3840×2160 or 1920×1080 resolution to each screen.
DT Research’s products all use their WebDT Content Manager (WCM) 6.2 Pro software for remote management of content and hardware functions. Bundled with all WebDT signage appliances, WCM offers an easy-to-use interface for organizing, scheduling, and distributing content, and supports numerous media formats (e.g., images, videos, Flash, remote URL’s, RSS, executable applications, ZIP, and Microsoft PowerPoint). Flexible screen layout options with multiple zones and layers enable a multi-screen video wall to be divided into multiple areas with different content in each zone to mix images, text, and real-time video through an RTSP or MMS stream, or through an optional video capture card. This management software allows quick updates over a network connection for real-time or scheduled content playback and automatic content download recovery to prevent downtime. The newly released WCM 6.2 Pro now offers a powerful Menu Board Editor (available for download online), enabling efficient menu board design, enhanced player management interface, extended browser support, and fully frame-synchronized multi-screen video playback with frame-synchronized audio/video. The Menu Board Editor offers a tool to streamline the layout and scheduling of menu board content with templates and plug-ins for fast deployment.
All the tech specs for each player are on the company’s website here. Leave a Comment
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Google’s Chromeboxes Will Grow Digital Signage Market Overall — Thanks to AOPENSince last year’s Digital Signage Expo and the introduction of Chrome’s single app kiosk mode, many customers and developers have built digital signage applications on Chromeboxes. Now, Chrome is coming to digital signage in an even bigger way:
- The Chrome Sign Builder is designed to help create intelligent digital signs that are easy to build, schedule and deploy. You can add and manage content for any number of screens, and schedule that content to run when needed, across many screens at different times of day. A great example of this in action: displaying breakfast, lunch and dinner menus at various restaurant locations across multiple time zones.
- The Chrome App Builder makes it easy to build third-party kiosk apps. You can set up applications to eliminate the “first-run” configuration process and rapidly deploy across multiple screens. We have several third party partners who have built solutions for signage including Stratos, Rise, Arreya, Wondersign, Four Winds Interactive, Scala, Industry Weapon and we are adding more to this ecosystem.
- Ongoing reporting monitors the health of your kiosks and signage at all times. You’ll get alerts from Chrome device management if a screen goes down, and can remotely reboot the device to get it back online without dispatching a technician. You can also get live updates about system usage and capture screen grabs to see exactly what viewers see.
In addition, today AOPEN announced three new commercial Chrome OS devices that will add more durability to digital signage. By working with AOPEN, we can offer more rugged hardware equipped to handle harsh conditions — like a hot and greasy back-of-house line at a restaurant.
Here are the AOPEN Chromeboxes. Leave a Comment
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Apogee Announces Compatibility with Logic Pro X Audio Interface ControlsApogee has announced the availability of new software installers that provide compatibility with the audio interface remote controls recently introduced in Logic Pro X 10.1 and Logic Remote 1.2. Now Logic users with Apogee Duet, ONE, Quartet, Ensemble or Symphony I/O can adjust hardware input parameters directly from the Mixer view in Logic Pro X and Logic Remote, including mic pre gain, input type selection, phase control and more. This simplified user experience lets Logic users focus on a single session window when recording, and offers complete visibility and control of input parameters.
These same input controls are also now accessible through the Logic Remote App on iPad, enabling Apogee users to wirelessly adjust their input levels and settings from anywhere in the studio. Drummers can adjust mic pres without having to get up from behind the kit, engineers can do a line check while still setting up mics, and home musicians recording themselves can switch between a microphone and directly connected instrument without having to be in front of their computers.
All the details are here. Leave a Comment
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Mackie Updates My Fader App for DL Series Digital Mixers Mackie today updated its My Fader control app that controls the Mackie DL32R, DL1608 and DL806 digital mixers. Designed for iPhone and iPod touch, My Fader v3.0 is designed for on-stage performers controlling their own monitors or engineers who need quick mobile control over any mix. The new version includes a new updated user interface and an expanded feature set for additional control on-stage or off.
My Fader v3.0 new features include support for control alongside Master Fader v3.0, which delivers total control of any Mackie DL Series mixer from an iPad. It also features support for iOS8 and the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The user interface has been redesigned, with a modern look and feel that is in step with the main Master Fader control app.
The new design also supports better functionality and control. Channel ID can now be configured using My Fader. Users can add custom names, icons or even photos for effective identification during the show. Channel colors and output colors are also now supported. In the mixer view, users now have access to subgroups and VCAs for additional mix management. This allows one-touch volume control over groups of channels like backing vocals, horns or other channels that need to be controlled at once. The view group selector is now accessible, allowing users to view only the channels needed for that particular song or setup. Access limiting has also been updated, providing even more control over what each device can control, keeping specific users out of other mixes, including the front-of-house mix.
My Fader v3.0 is available now as a free download here. Leave a Comment
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Phoenix Audio Technologies Unveils Smart SpiderPhoenix Audio Technologies just launched something called the Smart Spider, a USB speakerphone for medium- to large-sized conference rooms that can also connect to smart devices, tablets or video codecs with the ability to bridge between the different interfaces.
Integrated with echo-cancelling, noise suppression, automatic gain control and an intuitive user interface, Smart Spider’s beamforming technology is enhanced by LED lights beneath the grill that follow the direction of a person’s voice. The product’s pickup range exceeds 20 feet on its own, and can be daisy chained to up to 14 additional units to accommodate an even larger space.
The Smart Spider’s design provides what Phoenix claims as a discreet presence on the conference table, but can be ceiling mounted for rooms that have limited desktop space. Another key feature is the product’s ability to support privacy mode through a standard headset, which allows for a smooth transition from speakerphone to private call with the touch of a button.
Since the Smart Spider communicates through USB interface with any computer under any operating system, and is compatible with all soft video applications. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Mersive Announces Solstice Pod and New Pricing Mersive today announced the newest addition to its product line, the Solstice Pod, a wireless media collaboration system for meeting rooms and classrooms. Priced at $799 for the Small Group Edition (SGE) version and $999 for the Unlimited users version, the Solstice Pod is being marketed as an all-inclusive collaboration solution for any meeting space with a display (including 4K resolution monitors and projectors).
New on the Solstice Pod:
- Synchronous desktop audio streaming
- Remote configuration via a web browser
- One-click software updates
- Built-in WAP capabilities
- Native support for touch and 4K displays
The Solstice Pod does not require a dedicated room PC but it can be integrated into the existing corporate network or deployed as a ‘drop-in’ solution using its built-in wireless access point capabilities, meeting the requirements of both A/V and IT.
In conjunction with the launch of the new Solstice Pod, Mersive has revised pricing for Solstice software bringing it in line with the Solstice Pod — $799 for SGE and $999 for Unlimited versions effective March 10, 2015.
Here are the Pod details. Leave a Comment
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Vaddio Claims Enterprise Class USB 3.0 Camera with Simultaneous USB and IP Streaming Vaddio has just announced the RoboSHOT 12 USB camera — an HD conferencing camera with simultaneous USB 3.0 and IP (H.264) streaming integrated with an HDMI video output. The RoboSHOT 12 USB video stream is uncompressed up to 1080p.
An interesting innovation to the RoboSHOT 12 USB is its focus on IT management across the Enterprise. The RoboSHOT 12 USB accomplishes this through its embedded web server, IP Streaming capabilities and PoE+ GB port built directly into the camera. Simply type the camera’s IP address to any web browser on any device and you can now see your live video stream and control functions simultaneously. This is ideal for remote management and IT control.
Vaddio’s RoboSHOT 12 USB camera features a 12x optical zoom with a 73-degree wide horizontal field of view, perfect for small to medium sized conference rooms, training rooms or classrooms in a wide variety of applications including UC conferencing, videoconferencing, distance learning, lecture capture, telepresence and Pro AV.
Like all RoboSHOT series cameras, the RoboSHOT 12 USB comes fully equipped with Vaddio’s Tri-Synchronous Motion technology, a silent, direct drive motor system that allows all three axes of the camera (pan, tilt and zoom) to move simultaneously for ultra smooth, natural camera motion.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Revolabs Ships FLX UC 1000 VoIP Conference Phone Supporting IP and USB Connectivity Revolabs is now shipping its FLX UC 1000 IP and USB conference phone that includes UC and collaboration settings with bridging capabilities between VoIP and UC desktop applications.
Featuring both VoIP and USB audio support, the Revolabs FLX UC 1000 conference phone is designed for IP telephony environments, both on-premises and in the cloud. The FLX UC 1000 includes a tweeter and mid-woofer elements, four integrated microphones, wideband frequency response and echo cancellation. The conference phone also provides a full duplex system for simultaneous audio capture and playback.
Equipped with a convenient dialer and a 3.5-inch color LCD, the device facilitates IP calling during meetings. In addition, the unit’s USB support lets users easily connect the speakerphone to any Mac, PC or Chromebook for use with communication applications such as Skype, Vidyo, Microsoft Lync, Cisco Jabber, WebEx and many others.
More information on the FLX UC 1000 IP and USB conference phone are here. Leave a Comment
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FSR’s Digital Ribbon Cable Family Armors UpIntegrators will be happy to know that FSR has improved its Digital Ribbon (DR) cable family by adding multiple Aramid reinforcing cords to the cable assembly. The result is that the pull strength specification of the cable has been increased to 40 pounds from the previous 20-pound rating.
Most other cables on the market are only rated for a 20-pound pull, which is fairly easy to exceed during installation. This improvement in the basic cable construction, which has been in production for several months, makes the DR cable family the most robust optical HDMI cable on the market. The improved DR cables are available in lengths of 10, 15, 23, 30 and 50 meters.
FSR’s Digital Ribbon cables utilize a proprietary technology to allow high speed, high definition HDMI signal transmission over distances of up to 325 feet at a speed of 10.2 Gbps video bandwidth and can easily handle 1080p full HD, 3D, deep color, HDMI-CEC, HDCP and most newer high-resolution formats.
The more robust DR cable is now shipping and all the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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