Volume 14, Issue 11 — June 2, 2016
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Industry News Displays Audio Control & Signal Processing Unified Collaborative Conferencing Projection Digital Signage Cables, Cases, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens & Accessories
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Hidden Opportunities in the IoT: Ambient User Experience
By Mark Coxon rAVe Blogger
If you are looking for a good source of information and body of research on all things business and technology, arguably there is not a better resource than Gartner. It is definitely worth a few minutes to go to their technology page once a week and browse or even to sign up for their email alerts and newsletters.
A couple weeks ago, Gartner sent me a nice piece on the “Top Ten Strategic Trends of 2016”. If you didn’t see it, it is worth a read and my purpose in writing here is not to summarize that for you but rather to highlight one part of it and draw some relevant implications to our AV businesses.
The AV world is all abuzz with the term IoT, and rightfully so. The connected world we live in is becoming an increasingly complex mesh of devices with internet access. As AV companies, we all see the amazing opportunity that this presents. However I would also argue that we are getting hung up on two parts of the IoT and perhaps missing some of the more profitable opportunities that it may present.
As AV manufacturers who make boxes and as integrators who have traditionally sold and integrated boxes, it is no surprise that most of the talk around the IoT is around the part known as the Device Mesh, which “includes mobile devices, wearable, consumer and home electronic devices, automotive devices and environmental devices — such as sensors.”
In the long term however, we all know what happens to hardware. Margins decrease and commoditization sets in. In the case of IoT devices, I’d say that race to zero is even more accelerated, especially with a plethora of direct to consumer, DIY hardware out in the marketplace.
Many integrators already know the reality of the device mesh profitability conundrum and also understand the potential security risks a large number of connected devices can represent. Integrators in this camp have rightfully focused on securing devices on the IoT, creating a value proposition beyond that of the black box reseller. Although how many of these are focusing on the “adaptive” security mentioned by Gartner I can’t say.
It goes without saying that any IoT design or strategy has to include devices and make sure they are secure. I would also argue that the systems that do this in a way that is fine tuned to each individual user will be the ones that really differentiate themselves form the rest of the pack.
This is the promise of The Ambient User Experience.
Users should be able to transition seamlessly out of one facility to the next, automatically connecting and communicating their preferences on the fly and without any input from the user. Imagine leaving your house for work as your phone switches the music you were listening to inside automatically from your Bluetooth soundbar to your car radio. Then as you arrive at work, your phone unlocks the door, your desk powers up while you are in the elevator, and as you arrive at your workstation your schedule is displayed for the day. Upon arriving at your hotel, as you enter the room, your comfort profile changes the lighting levels and air conditioning settings, as well as configures the computer at the desk to already be loaded with access to your content and personal preferences.
The ambient user experience is just that. Ambient. It is not device dependent. It is not platform dependent. It is not location dependent. It is everywhere you are.
Take this a step further. If your profile and unique ID is coded to a token that you wear or that is implanted somewhere on your body, then potentially every device is your device. You could pick up a phone and it would automatically assign it your SIM settings for calls and proper billing. Then you could pick up an iPad and your iCloud would already be accessible for a presentation. BYOD would be a concern of the past, as now every device is potentially YOUR device. Hand it to the person next to you and now it is their device, complete with their profiles, settings and content.
As Gartner defines it, the Ambient User Experience “seamlessly flows across a shifting set of devices and interaction channels blending physical, virtual and electronic environments as the user moves from one place to another.”
This is the true meaning of ubiquitous, which begs the question:
Is proprietary the enemy of ubiquitous?
Crestron is doing some amazing things with their new PinPoint technology that allows a user’s device to adapt to its location within a building to provide wayfinding, explore scheduling, and assign device control functions. IT is a step toward the ambient user experience described above. But there is one problem. It only works with Crestron PinPoint enabled systems.
Proprietary can have its advantages in both reliability and support, but it’s drawback is that in order for a truly ambient user experience to be created, you would need 100 percent participation. Or you need a common standard that multiple manufacturers use. We can safely say that in AV manufacturers have traditionally built systems in proprietary ways that protect market share and prohibit cross pollination. Standards are not something that have been readily embraced.
Given all this, and some other popular pieces written lately both about code and industry practices on the whole, I’d say that proprietary is at least in AV, the enemy of ubiquitous.
IoT devices are available all over the place and for businesses and organizations, hardware or vendors that fail to address security concerns will never make the cut. In that way, neither the device mesh nor basic security implementation will be value added differentiators. However, the UX is something that can set systems apart, especially if that UX is one that seamlessly bridges devices, platforms, and locations. In other words…it is ambient.
As many have stated, the App is already dead. We need to get beyond the square icon, unilateral, launch-and-switch applications on our current devices if we want to stay relevant.
Who is working on the Ambient User Experience in AV today? If you can find the answer to that question, I would make sure to visit them at INfoComm16, as they may be the partner you need to propel your company into the future in a valuable way.
Who do you think is poised to revolutionize the UX? I’d love to hear your take in the comments.
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Saltwater Kills!
By Tony Sprando Commercial AV Designer
Saltwater kills. These are two words that should never be in the same sentence when you are trying to get your wireless microphones to work. What do Saltwater and Radio Frequencies (RF) have in common? Answer: Nothing, really.
But, I have a scenario for you that may help you make a connection. Imagine you are setting up AV in a 16,000 square foot convention hall. You walk into the room with a wireless microphone and it works perfectly. Then, you fill the room with 100 police officers who are carrying radios and cell phones. Why would the microphone cut out?
What do you think the answer is?
- The radios interfere
- The police officers
- The cell phones
- All of the above
The answer is the police officers. Their bodies are 50-70% water, combined with salt. This means that human bodies are insulators also known as, “a substance that does not readily allow the passage of (fill in the blank).” In this case, more policemen in the room mean more insulators. Each police officer is limiting the passage of the RF signal which the wireless transmitter needs to reach the receiver. Sometimes this is in the form of “cutting-out” all together (loss of signal) or a distorted “robotic voice” comes through the speakers.
This volume control figure is a good example of what happens when you introduce an insulator into a flow of RF signal. If you lower the volume, the salt water increases, which decreases the flow of RF. But as the volume control goes up to a higher number, the RF flows more freely.
The question now is, “How do you overcome this?” The most common response to this example is to add external antennas around the room, but there is more to consider here. I will layout the steps for you next.
But first, a quick Myth Buster – The primary goal of getting better RF reception is to get as much 12v power to a group of active antennas as possible. If you can light up the powered antenna light then you are good to go and you’ll have all the coverage you’ll need to compensate for a room full of people. This visually would look right but it’s just not true.
Instead, here are the steps to install a Diversity Wireless Microphone Set-up in a meeting room, when external antennas are required.
- Run the right wire. There are two methods.
- RG8 Coax can safely go 150′ with acceptable loss.
- Fiber Optic can go thousands of feet.
- Use Passive Antennas and place them where they look aesthetically pleasing. But try to keep the Antenna A at least five feet from Antenna B. The garbage in/out rule applies here. If you don’t put in the right wire, adding active antennas only picks up more garbage down the line, which in most cases makes a problem worse.
- Add an In-line Amplifier. If you get yourself in a position to retrofit an existing system, install these as close to the antenna location as possible.
Remember: The plan is to pick up the strongest, cleanest signal via the Antennas so keep them in the room and visible.
For more information about wireless microphone distribution, check out this informative blog my friends at RF Venue have put together.
Helping you keep your signal clean,
Tony, the AV Guy
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The InfoComm 2016 Top-10 Tour Stops Are AnnouncedFor the past five years, we have published the InfoComm Top-10 Tour Guide: the 10 places that we think are MUST-SEEs at each InfoComm show.
How did we compile it?
Well, each year, we put out all call to EVERY AV manufacturer in the market to tell us what they plan to launch at InfoComm — ONLY new products. In our first year, we had 27 submissions. This year, we had over 75.
But, we narrowed it down to 10 places (and products) we think you NEED to go see.
I can’t tell you what they are as seven of the 10 are embargoed until June 8th (the first day of the show — and we will publish the entire Top-10 Tour Guide on Wednesday June 8th here on our InfoComm microsite). But, we can go head and tell you who the companies are (and their booth numbers) so that you can go ahead and schedule your InfoComm tour to MAKE SURE you stop by their booths!
One, one CLEAR DISCLAIMER: Our Top-10 Tour Guide is NOT an advertising piece NOR is it a “pay-for-play.” We don’t do those. Over 75 manufacturers gave us pre-release information on their InfoComm 2016 launches and we picked the top 10 products we thought you NEEDED to see at this year’s show. No one paid us (or anyone else) to be in this tour guide!
Here are the tour stops (booths) you can’t miss at InfoComm 2016:
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InfoComm Names Keynote Speakers for 4th Annual AV Executive Conference in MiamiInfoComm International is pleased to announce that its fourth annual AV Executive Conference (AVEC) is set for November 9-11, 2016, at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami. Focused on the management side of running an AV business, the event will host industry leaders for three days of strategic business planning, industry insight sharing and networking.
Headlining the conference as keynote speakers will be Bert Jacobs, co-founder and chief executive optimist of the Life is Good Company, and Ken Schmidt, former director of communications for Harley-Davidson. They will both share lessons they’ve learned from building leading brands that celebrate the customer experience.
Bert Jacobs and his brother John launched the Life is Good Company with $78 in their pockets, selling T-shirts in the streets of Boston. Today, Life is Good is a $100-million, positive lifestyle brand sold by more than 2,000 retailers across the U.S. and Canada. Bert Jacobs’ lessons on branding, leadership and corporate social responsibility, combined with his inspiring story, will show attendees how optimism can transform customer culture.
At Harley-Davidson, Ken Schmidt played an active role in one of the most celebrated turnarounds in corporate history. He is widely known and respected as one of the business world’s most outspoken and provocative thought leaders and has partnered with many of the world’s most successful brands. “I love to startle people by exposing them to proven ideas and concepts they’ve never imagined,” he says, “so that their minds and hearts are in perfect synch. Because that’s when real learning happens.”
Aimed at executives from the AV integration and live events sectors, this year’s theme, Driving Profit Through Customer Experience, focuses on creating market differentiation by anticipating and exceeding client expectations. AVEC 2016 will feature speakers and workshops covering the importance of building a sales strategy that aligns with executive decisions, marketing and sales, developing the customer experience, and succession planning within an organization. In addition, InfoComm International CEO David Labuskes will deliver the association’s strategic plan for the AV industry. Because AVEC will tackle business challenges from both strategic and tactical perspectives, it is recommended that companies send their top executive and representatives from sales and marketing.
“AVEC is the executive conference that AV companies need to attend. We offer unparalleled networking with CEOs and other top industry executives. At AVEC, you can connect with leaders who are facing similar business challenges, broaden your perspective by escaping the office treadmill and receive practical advice from some of the biggest names in business,” said Betsy Jaffe, senior vice president, member services, InfoComm International. “We work with top industry thought leaders to ensure that our program is actionable, relevant to your segment of the industry and focused on the challenges you need to overcome in order to thrive.”
To learn more about AVEC 2016, go here. Leave a Comment
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Sony to Debut Totally New Display Technology at InfoCommSony will launch a totally new display technology that is an amazingly small (as in width of a human hair thin) crystal LEDs that are encapsulated behind a black sub-structure. The width of each pixel/LED is only 0.003 millimeters squared. Yes, you read that right.
Basically, the self-emitting display technology uses R (red), G (green), and B (blue) ultrafine LEDs mounted on the display surface, with each pixel emitting light independently. As I said, each pixel is only 0.003 mm² in size, allowing the remaining surface area to be more than 99 percent black. These a bunched (320×360 pixels each) are housed in one panel that is 18”x16” each. You can connect up to 72 of these together to make a giant wall — and in Sony’s booth, they will use enough of these to display a native 8K by 2K wall that’s 32’x9’. The canvas has a brightness of 1000 cd/m² (1000 nits), and will support High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, producing imagery with 10-bit color depth and a wide color gamut (approximately 140 percent of sRGB).
I recorded a podcast with Sony’s sales and marketing manager for visual solutions, Kevin O’Connor, and he explained the new technology and the market applications for it, which Sony is calling CLEDIS (Crystal LED Integrated Structure).
Sony is here but the product isn’t on the company’s website yet. Leave a Comment
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L-Acoustics Launches Ultra-Compact Kiva II Line Array L-Acoustics announced the launch of the Kiva II, a new ultra-compact modular line source, adding 6dB of max SPL versus its predecessor, maximized amplifier density with 16 ohm impedance, and a new rugged enclosure material.
Despite its ultra-compact format, the Kiva II features L-Acoustics’ Wavefront Sculpture Technology (WST), giving it a long throw capability and delivering even SPL from the front row to the back of the audience. Its coplanar transducer arrangement and new K-shaped coplanar transducer configuration generates a symmetric horizontal coverage of 100 degrees without secondary lobes over the entire frequency range.
Weighing only 31 pounds (14 kg), it’s aimed at installations in performing arts centers and special events demanding minimum visual obtrusion, and particularly in L-ISA multi-channel configuration installations.
The Kiva II will make its official debut at InfoComm and it will ship in late 2016. You can see it here. Leave a Comment
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QSC Expands SPA Series Amplifier Offerings QSC will expand its amplifier line. QSC is introducing two new models to the SPA Series amplifiers, well suited for use in corporate AV applications. The SPA2-200 and SPA4-100 offer two 200 watts or four 100 watts per channel into 8Ω and 4Ω outputs, with the ability to bridge channels for 70V and 100V capability. These amplifiers are ENERGY STAR compliant, with fast and quiet power-up circuitry. These half-rack size amplifiers offer a unique mounting system for flexible options, such as under the table, wall-mounted behind a display or side-by-side in a credenza rack. They have an aesthetic design that easily blends into a corporate environment and they include remote control capabilities for applications such as fire and safety paging.
QSC’s InfoComm details are here. Leave a Comment
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Clockaudio to Demo Retractable, Motorized Ceiling Tri Element Hanging Microphone ArrayDesigned for audio or video conferencing, the new Clockaudio CCRM4000-C303 offers a new option when specifying hanging microphones that need to be completely retracted when not in use. The CCRM4000-C303 is optimized for speech intelligibility and features three high quality Cardioid capsules that cover a 360 degree pick up pattern, with each independent capsule being RF immune and capturing approximately 120 degrees.
The CCRM4000-C303W-RF is optimized for speech intelligibility and features the same three high quality Cardioid capsules that cover a 360 degree pick up pattern, with each independent capsule being RF immune and capturing approximately 120 degrees. It is easy to install, and also compatible with all popular DSP units. For applications where table microphones are not an option, the C303W-RF offers a great alternative to bring the microphone capsules closer to the participant, with a minimal foot print in the conference room.
Designed for use in boardrooms, conferencing and a wide variety of applications, the CCRM4000-C303W-RF offers a great alternative to installations where the microphone equipment needs to be able to “disappear” from sight. The retractable unit enables the microphone to completely withdraw back into the ceiling when not in use, leaving the room aesthetically pleasing and ready for other functions.
This product helps clients to keep surfaces free from obstruction, leaves a smaller footprint on the overall design, enables additional flexibility for reconfiguration within the room without sacrificing sound quality and provides an even more streamlined approach to the any room’s audio technology. The unit comes virtually pre-assembled and allows you to bring the microphone closer to the participant, which contributes in getting more direct sound and less of the room.
The CCRM-4000-C303W-RF master units ship complete with a ceiling mounted IR sensor, remote control, C303W-RF Tri-Element Microphone, ceiling bezel with locking ring, 18VDC power supply unit, ceiling tile mounting bracket and safety cable. Slave units are also available.
Detailed specs are here. Leave a Comment
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QSC Debuts New AcousticDesign Series Pendant Loudspeakers QSC just launched two new pendant mount loudspeakers as part of their AcousticDesign Series. The new QSC AcousticDesign Series pendant loudspeakers (AD-P) utilize the same design philosophy as the recently launched ceiling models (AD-C). Directivity Matched Transition (DMT) has been implemented across platforms for surface, ceiling, and now pendant applications.
QSC’s Intrinsic Correction (QSC’s custom loudspeaker voicings) can be easily implemented for optimal performance and protection when using the Q-SYS Platform in the system design. QSC says using simple drag-and-drop blocks make it easy to add any AcousticDesign loudspeaker to a system design. As an added feature, they are voice alarm system compatible — UL1480 (North America) for use in Fire Alarm Systems
The two models are the:
- AD-P4T: 4.5″ two-way, 150° conical DMT coverage, available in black or white
- AD-P6T: 6.5″ two-way, 140° conical DMT coverage, available in black or white
All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Kramer Ships VP-734 4K Switcher/ScalerThe VP-734 is a 4K-UHD (3440×2160) resolution presentation switcher scaler from Kramer. With four HDMI inputs (chroma sampling of 4:2:0), one DisplayPort (chroma sampling of 4:2:4) input and two analog inputs, the switcher is a 7×1 auto-switcher (or programmable switcher) with a built-in scaler that scales the output to 4K resolution (or anything below).
Other features include 7 Stereo Analog Audio Inputs, the ability to embed and de-embed audio from the HDMI, EDID management, IR, RS232 and web-based control as well as Kramer’s FTB (fade-thru-black) switching technology.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Comprehensive Connectivity to Launch New Pro AV/IT 4K Products at InfoComm Comprehensive Connectivity will be at InfoComm 2016 debuting the next generation in their series of Pro AV/IT 4K/UHD extenders, switchers and wallplates – all with HDBaseT and HDMI technologies – for long distance transmission, extension, Ultra High Definition capability and HDCP 2.2 copy protection content pass-through.
The new CHE-HDBT300U includes a transmitter and receiver kit, transmission of audio and video signal distances up to 330 feet, as well as the flexibility of EDID management and 4K@60Hz. The range of switcher models (CSW-HD442-4K60, CSW-HD455KM, CSW-HDBT300M, CSW-HDBT44K330) will host multi-input source and video wall display functionalities as well as resolution scaling, IR, RS232 distributed over a single cable. The introduction of the new two-gang HDBaseT wallplate (WP-HDBT-328T) with built-in transmitter will offer the increased feature of HDBaseT as a connector option where longer signal distribution distances are required as part of the installation.
In addition to the new product showcase, Comprehensive will feature other products in its roster of successful Pro AV/IT product lines, such as USB adapters and converters, cables and hubs and the series of Connectivity Kits, as well as HDMI cables that are available in MicroFlex, Plenum and Network construction and include exclusive features such as SureLength Indicators with cable lengths easily visible on all connector heads and Active Optical Plenum HDMI Cables with UHD 4K@60 resolution and optical fibers flexible for tight bends.
Comprehensive will be in booth #C9932 and you can check them out here. Leave a Comment
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Atlona to Debut OmniStream, IP-Based AV 4K/UHD Encoder and Decoder at InfoComm Atlona this week launched OmniStream, its first line of networked AV products line that’s spec’d to allow 4K/UHD video, audio and RS232 control over Gigabit Ethernet.
Consisting of five products:
- AT-OMNI-111 Single-Channel Networked AV Encoder
- AT-OMNI-112 Dual-Channel Networked AV Encoder
- AT-OMNI-121 Single-Channel Networked AV Decoder
- AT-OMNI-122 Dual-Channel Networked AV Decoder
- AT-OMNI-232 Dual-Channel Dante Networked Audio Interface
Atlona says that dual-channel encoding and decoding allows each AT-OMNI-112 and AT-OMNI-122 to process two independent 4K/UHD video streams (spec’d at either 4K@60Hz in 4:2:0 or 4K@30Hz in 4:4:4) a single, half-width rack enclosure. The dual-channel components can also be configured for system redundancy, with each encoder and decoder handling two simultaneous streams of the same HDMI source. The two independent streams are encoded and decoded simultaneously, and when a physical or logical connection fault is detected in a primary stream, the decoder automatically switches over to the back-up.
OmniStream features SMPTE VC-2 video compression (SMPTE 2042), claiming a lossless codec (9ms delay for 60 Hz video signals). And, OmniStream features SMPTE 2022 forward error correction for protection against packet loss and the resulting signal dropouts, which can occur in large-scale applications spanning several networks. It also features selectable AES-128 encryption for securing sensitive or protected content in government, military, healthcare, and corporate environments.
All OmniStream AV encoders stream HDMI embedded audio, including Dolby and DTS multi-channel bitstream formats. In addition, the AT-OMNI-232 Dante network interface can be used for transmitting and receiving two-channel audio over the network. The AT-OMNI-232 also integrates sources such as microphones and PCs into a third-party audio DSP as well as a larger Dante system. Advanced projects with a combination of OmniStream devices can be employed to simultaneously route AV-over-IP and Dante audio signals over the same network.
OmniStream devices can be powered using a PoE-equipped Gigabit switch as well as a dedicated power supply.
Atlona says the entire line will ship in September. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Matrox Launches C900 Nine-Output Graphics Card to Drive 3×3 Video WallThe new Matrox C900 is a multi-display graphics card — designed to drive nine 1920×1200 displays simultaneously. Matrox C900 is a special-purpose graphics card designed to power 3×3 and 9×1 video walls. Its single-slot form factor and low power consumption at 75W offer digital signage and video wall vendors simpler integration and a lower cost of ownership. Its support for stretched desktop across all nine synchronized outputs lets users run any application full screen across a 3×3 video wall which makes the card ideal for signage installations in retail, corporate, entertainment and hospitality environments as well as control room video wall solutions in security, process control and transportation. Matrox PowerDesk desktop management software for Windows is included with C900 to give users a set of tools, including bezel management and EDID management, to easily configure and manage their multi-display setups. Advanced APIs are available to developers and OEMs to quickly build custom interfaces and applications.
Here are all the technical specs. Leave a Comment
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Kramer Intros DIP-30 4K Automatic SwitcherThe DIP-30 from Kramer is a 4K UHD automatic switcher for HDMI, VGA, Ethernet, data and unbalanced audio signals. DIP-30 supports resolutions up to 4K@60 UHD (4:2:0 chrome sampling) and various modes of input selection and transmits the signal via HDMI cable to a compatible receiver (for example the a UHD Matrix Switcher or when connecting directly to a display/projector). The DIP-30 acts as a step-in commander when connected to matrix switcher supporting step-in over HDMI. The maximum data rate is 10.2Gbps (3.4Gbps per graphic channel), it’s HDCP compliant and it includes Deep Color, x.v.Color and 3D support.
The full specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships SW HD 4K SwitchersThe Extron SW HD 4K are two and four input switchers for HDMI signals. They are designed for video signal switching between multiple HDMI source devices to a single display. The switchers support video signals at resolutions up to 4K, as well as data rates up to 10.2 Gbps, 3D, Lip Sync and HD lossless audio formats. Both models feature EDID Minder, which maintains continuous EDID communication with connected devices and ensures that the HDMI sources power up properly and maintain correct video output. The switchers provide automatic input cable equalization up to 50 feet on Extron HDMI Pro Series cable. The SW HD 4K switchers offer front panel, RS232, IR, contact closure and auto-input switching control options for integration into a wide variety of environments.
The SW HD 4K switchers provide integrator-friendly features, including automatic input cable equalization, automatic color bit depth management, indicators for monitoring and troubleshooting, as well as peripheral device power on each output. Automatic input cable equalization corrects for signal loss due to lengthy input cables, ensuring signal integrity up to 50 feet,when used with Extron HDMI Pro Series cable. The switchers automatically adjust color bit depth based on the display EDID to prevent color compatibility conflicts between source and display. Front panel LED indicators provide immediate visual confirmation of HDCP authentication and signal presence for each input and the output. If HDCP‑encrypted content is transmitted to a non‑compliant display, a full‑screen green signal provides immediate visual confirmation that protected content cannot be viewed on that display.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Barco Silex Plans to Demo HDMI Transport Over IP at InfoCommYou may not have heard of Barco Silex, but you’ve likely used their chips at one point or another. Barco Silex is a provider of image compression technology for hardware including JPEG, JPEG2000 and VC-2 Low Delay. They licenses a wide range of video compression technology for integration in professional AV products, in the form of IP blocs for ASIC’s or FPGA’s.
At InfoComm, the will demonstrate its brand-new Viper boards that are made for IP over AV applications. For example, the Viper allows transport of 4K/UHD HDMI over a 1Gbit Ethernet cable.
The Viper product line consists of a transmit (TX) and receive (RX) boards. The TX board is used to interface the HDMI source and put the audio/video on the IP network. On the receiving end sit one or more RX boards that decompress the stream and hand it to the application’s display hardware. An alternative setup uses several TX boards, each adding a channel to the network, with the RX boards able to tune into each channel.
Built around a SoC FPGAs, the Viper board has built-in hardware compression/decompression based on Barco Silex’ acclaimed IP cores. The compression codec is VC-2 Low Delay (SMPTE 2042), which results in what they claim is lossless quality at an ultralow end-to-end delay of a mere 5ms at 60 fps. The video/audio path is processed in real-time within the FPGA fabric while the processor is handling all the control and configuration of the board. Both the FPGA firmware and the CPU software can be easily upgraded, making it future proof, and allowing OEM- or application-specific customization.
Here are all the specs on the boards. Leave a Comment
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Gefen Ultra HD HDBaseT 2.0 Extender for HDMI Debuts at InfoComm Gefen today introduced the EXT-UHDA-HBT2, a new HDMI extender that uses HDBaseT 2.0 technology to extend 4K digital AV, Ethernet, RS232, two-way IR, two-way audio and two-way POH compliant power up to 330 feet over one Cat5e cable.
The EXT-UHDA-HBT2’s Sender and Receiver are compatible with all compliant HDBaseT systems and will easily interface with sources and displays equipped with HDBaseT. Video resolutions of 1080p and 1920×1200 8-bitcolor up to 495 feet. 4K Ultra HD and DCI-Cinema (up to 4096×2160) at 60 Hz 4:2:0 or 30 Hz 4:4:4, LPCM7.1 and HBR digital audio are also supported.
Details are here. Leave a Comment
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Nureva Announces the HDL300 Audio Conferencing System Nureva announced the Nureva HDL300 audio conferencing system for small to mid-sized rooms. This integrated wall-mounted microphone and speaker system uses Nureva’s patent-pending audio processing technology to provide remote participants with a natural, near-in-room experience. Nureva’s unique processor is 15 times more powerful than conventional systems, which enables the HDL300 system to simultaneously create and process sound from more than 8,000 virtual microphones. Each virtual microphone picks up sound from a precise location in the room, focusing on the intended voices while retaining the natural ambient sounds. The result is that remote participants feel like they’re in the same location, so they’re more engaged and the overall meeting is more productive.
As you know, conventional audio conferencing systems rely on processing techniques to correct for signal loss due to location of physical microphones, unwanted noises and microphone or beam switching, which can introduce distortions and sound artifacts. The premise of the HDL300 system is to put a virtual microphone as close to the sound source as possible, what we call Microphone Mist technology, so that sound is acquired from the best possible location and does not need conventional clean-up processes. The resulting audio experience comes closer than ever to matching how the brain naturally hears and processes sound when teams are face to face.
The system requires a computer enabled with UC&C, web conferencing or video conferencing software, such as Skype for business, Skype, Cisco WebEx, GoToMeeting or Google Hangouts. When the USB cable is plugged into a computer, the HDL300 system is recognized as a standard USB audio device. No additional drivers need to be installed. The integrated microphone and speaker bar is easily installed on any wall and connected by a single Ethernet cable (for power and communication) to the breakout box. The wall-mounted location minimizes the distractions of table noise and keeps the table clear.
Advanced DSP algorithms place 8,192 virtual microphones in the room to pick up and process audio, creating an immersive, natural audio conferencing experience for participants at remote locations. All of this is enabled by a powerful processor, with 15,000 MIPS compared to 400 to 1,000 MIPS for conventional systems. The technology creates a platform for Nureva, offering a range of future extensions that could include support for larger rooms, audio input and control and integration with the Span system.
The Nureva HDL300 is featured on our InfoComm Top-10 tour and you can get more information on the product here or by watching our rAVe RADIO Videocast of it here. Leave a Comment
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ClearOne Launches Second Generation of its Groundbreaking Beamforming Microphone Array ClearOne’s second generation Beamforming Microphone Array 2, introduced today, claims to be the industry’s most sophisticated audio beamforming, adaptive steering, acoustic echo cancellation, and noise cancellation technologies.
ClearOne’s original Beamforming Microphone Array was the audiovisual industry’s first professional grade microphone array with beamforming and adaptive acoustic steering. The Beamforming Microphone Array 2 has the following features:
- Enhanced echo canceling for demanding acoustic environments
- Faster convergence and better adaptation to changes in room acoustics, such as ambient noise from chairs moving, doors closing, chatter in the background, or any spikes in sound that alter the path of the audio
- Dramatically better mic pickup, sharpening the capability to detect softer voices
- Natural and clearly intelligible audio, even when two people speak at once
- Zero consumption of analog mic inputs in the CONVERGE Pro 2 DSP mixer
The Beamforming Microphone Array 2 operates on a new peripheral bus architecture that allows it to connect with ClearOne CONVERGE Pro 2 DSP mixers through a single cable that carries power, audio, and control. A common software application does everything, from configuration to management and monitoring of the arrays and mixers. Up to three Beamforming Microphone Array 2 units can be connected per CONVERGE Pro 2, and multiple mixers can interconnect with additional arrays to cover large areas. In this way, a large number of beamforming arrays can be daisy-chained together, and they can work in tandem with other ClearOne peripherals, such as the new DIALOG 20 Wireless Microphone System.
The Beamforming Microphone Array 2 is designed for a wide range of audio environments, including boardrooms, large- and medium-size conference rooms, large lecture halls, courtrooms, and telemedicine facilities. ClearOne’s second-generation Beamforming Microphone Array 2 is unequaled when it comes to delivering natural and superior-quality audio in a way that is transparent to conference participants.
The Beamforming Microphone Array 2 and other new ClearOne innovations will be on display at InfoComm 2016, June 8 to 10, in booth N1837 and it’s here. Leave a Comment
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QSC to Unveil New Q-SYS AV-to-USB Bridging Solution at InfoComm 2016 QSC has added PTZ-IP Cameras and a AV-to-USB Bridging box to its Q-SYS line. The Q-SYS PTZ-12X72 and Q-SYS PTZ-20X60 are designed as soft codec conferencing by allowing camera feeds and audio by introducing IP-based cameras and USB bridge into the Q-SYS platform. The Q-SYS AV-to-USB Bridging solution is driverless USB 2.0 for webcam video emulation and AEC speakerphone audio. This means no additional software or drivers are required to make the solution work with modern PC operating systems and soft codec applications such as Skype for Business, ClickMeeting, Adobe Connect, GotoMeeting, WebEx and others.
This combined solution will seamlessly integrate with all current and future shipping Q-SYS Cores such as the Core 110f and Q-SYS peripherals. This means that existing Q-SYS conference systems can easily add camera video to their arsenal of AEC, third-party integration, control and more.
The details will be available on their website after InfoComm. Leave a Comment
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BenQ Launches More Large Flat Panel Displays BenQ America today announced additions to its RP Series of Interactive Flat Panels (IFPs). The latest RP Series IFP models are aimed at classrooms. The new RP750 75-inch, RP703 70-inch and RP653 65-inch displays join the 4K RP790 79-inch display to round out the lineup. Along with 20-point multi-touch capabilities, these screens have tempered glass with a bacteria-resistant coating to help reduce the spread of germs. These touch screens are also integrated with BenQ’s Eye-Care features, including anti-glare glass to minimize light reflections and improve readability, as well as Low Blue Light and ZeroFlicker backlight technologies to help reduce eye fatigue during long hours of content viewing and instruction. They also come equipped with a built-in Android operating system that’s packed with a suite of apps and educational games for classroom instruction, such as a WPS Office document reader, built-in Web browser and an EZWrite instant digital blackboard annotation tool and media player app.
Available with DisplayNote, a free bundled desktop and mobile application, the BenQ RP Series IFPs allow educators to create more collaborative lessons by streaming any content directly from their computers or via the cloud to multiple participants across various devices. Aimed at classroom, BenQ’s QTouch software enables onscreen interaction and annotation. For administrators, the BenQ Multiple Display Administrator software adds remote monitoring and control of all projectors and IFPs in addition to administering instant equipment performance and providing status alerts for IT staff.
They will be at InfoComm and they are here. Leave a Comment
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Vivitek Launches New DH3331 Projector Vivitek is expanding its D3000 series of projectors with the launch of its new DH3331, a 1080p projector aimed at corporate and education applications and spec’d at 5,000 ANSI lumens with a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. The DH3331 features new DICOM Simulation Mode making it ideal for viewing grayscale medical images — such as X-rays — for medical training and seminars. Since it’s aimed at small meeting rooms, the company added dual 7-watt, built-in speakers and a microphone input so it can act as a sound system, too.
The projector uses a single-chip DLP with BrilliantColor from Texas Instruments and includes horizontal and vertical and lens shift and keystone correction, 1.7x zoom lens range, HDMI, VGA and HDBaseT inputs and a built-in 12V trigger to simplify screen control.
All the detailed specs on the DH3331 projector are here. Leave a Comment
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Hitachi Intros 8000+ Series Projectors Hitachi America added the 8000+ Series 3LCD projectors to its high-end projector line up: CP-X8800, CP-WX8650, CP-WX8750, CP-WU8600 and CP-WU8700. The 8000+ Series projectors have HDBaseT inputs, multiple interchangeable lenses, Accentualizer and High Dynamic Contrast Range (HDCR), Image Optimizer technology as well as 360 rotation capability. Brightness specs range between 6000 to 8000 lumens, depending on the model. All the projectors are XGA (1024×768) or WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution.
Unique features include edge blending and warping 360-degree projection and they can be mounted at an angle (including at 90-degrees) for portrait projection.
All five models are integrated with their Color Management technology that they claim allows users to change hue, saturation and luminance of the six colors (red, green, blue, cyan, magenta and yellow) individually. This feature allows you to isolate the colors to only change one specific color at a time. The Accentualizer and HDCR also help by enhancing the shade, sharpness and gloss of the projection while increasing the contrast.
The 8000+ Series projectors include Hitachi’s Status Monitoring System that produces information about the projector’s operational status in real-time on a rear panel LED screen. Additional advanced features also include motorized lens shift, zoom and focus; center lens design; picture by picture; picture in picture and DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) Simulation Mode. Every model is equipped to be compatible with five interchangeable lenses suitable for various screen sizes and installation environments. The lenses include the FL-701, SL-712, ML-713, LL-704 and UL-705. The 8000+ Series models are embedded with control capabilities compatible with Crestron Connected, AMX Device Discovery and Extron XTP.
The complete specs are here. Leave a Comment
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ClearOne Adds New Entry-Level Media Player/Decoder ClearOne’s new entry-level VIEW Pro D310 Decoder features all the basic functionality to fully satisfy simple applications. The D310 Decoder features a small footprint and easy mounting behind any display. It delivers full-screen, single-image video; high-quality video with 4:2:0 video color sampling; and 1080p60, H.264-based high-profile decoding with lossless compression.
The VIEW Pro D310 Decoder is fully compatible with all VIEW Pro encoders and decoders and configurable with ClearOne’s new VIEW CONSOLE software. It also offers source-selection and control software for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
You an see all the specs here. Leave a Comment
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BrightSign Adds Bluetooth Via BrightBeacon BrightSign will debut at InfoComm 2016 (booth #N2247) Bluetooth integration called BrightBeacon. Bluetooth adds a two-screen experience and enables highly targeted audience participation to digital signage applications.
BrightBeacon makes it possible for businesses to create unique, personalized experiences for virtually any application, enabling bi-directional communication between digital signage and their customers’ mobile devices. BrightSign says this increases customer engagement by enabling businesses to provide highly relevant messaging and content on their digital signage and on customers’ mobile devices. A new level of audience participation is also created when the customer is presented with options to interact with and control the signage from their mobile device.
What sets BrightBeacon apart from competitor solutions is that the Bluetooth low-energy (BTLE) beacon itself is integrated in the BrightSign 4K1142 player – no need for an external device. The beacon scans for other BTLE-enabled mobile devices and sends highly targeted content based on the device’s location. Additionally, the beacon can also receive content, opening the door for two-way engagement that, until now, hasn’t been available as an integrated solution.
BrightBeacon will be available in September on BrightSign’s 4K1142 media player via the free firmware update 6.2 (backward-compatible for existing 4K1142 units already in the field). BrightBeacon can be programed and controlled via BrightAuthor and the BrightSign Network, making it easy to change and update content remotely at any time. The BrightBeacon iOS app is available as a free download on the App Store, and the BrightBeacon feature can also be integrated with third-party apps.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Murideo Launches New 4K UHD & HDR Analyzer Murideo says it took them over 10 years to develop their latest signal analyzer (that seems like a long time to me). The Murideo-Fresco SIX-A is for testing basic and complex switching solutions (including complete high bandwidth HDMI cable testing, HDBaseT and HDIP link testing up to 18 GBPS — including 8K SUHD, all HDR flavors, plus legacy sources like 480i/p).
Features:
- Analyze any HDMI/DVI signals up to 18 GBPS (up to 4096x2160P @60Hz 4:4:4)
- Test HDMI/DVI Cables up to 18GBps, full TMDS testing
- View up to 18GPBS video content and format info anywhere
- Analyze and report HDMI distribution system over time (minutes, hours, days) — down to the pixel
- Audio confidence tests — two-channel and multi-channel
- Advanced EDID analysis and tools — read, write, EDID
- Analyze HDR signals and metadata
- Report and analyze InfoFrames
- HDCP tester — 2.2, 1.4, none
- Portable, battery operated
Here are the complete specs. Leave a Comment
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New 1 Beyond AutoTracker 2IP Camera to Debut at InfoComm 1 Beyond has announced the 1 Beyond AutoTracker 2IP camera as part of its HD camera product portfolio. The new AutoTracker 2IP adds Internet Protocol (IP) functionality to the 1 Beyond AutoTracker camera which automatically follows a speaker or presenter. The AutoTracker uses a tracking technology based on facial recognition and motion tracking and is self-contained with dual cameras in one unit – no mats, infrared necklaces, overhead microphones or any other external props are necessary.
With the AutoTracker 2IP, users will be able to remotely configure, control, preview and monitor the cameras using IP. Two h.264 IP streams will be available, one for each camera, in addition to two high-quality HD-SDI outputs. Both types of outputs can be used for switching with systems such as the 1 Beyond StreamMachine, NewTek TriCaster or Vmix.
The AutoTracker 2IP will retain all of the features and quality standards of the AutoTracker, which continues to be available. Features include a Sony sensor, 1080p or 720p resolution, a motor design for smooth quiet tracking, easy setup, 20x optical zoom and automatic camera functions such as white balance.
1 Beyond is here. Leave a Comment
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Datavideo Debuts PTC-150T HDBaseT PTZ Camera Datavideo just announced a new HD PTZ camera, PTC-150T, with HDBaseT technology. HDBaseT technology allows users to send power, control, uncompressed video, and tally all at once using only one Ethernet (Cat5e) cable.
The PTC-150T has a built-in HDBaseT transmitter, and it also comes with an HDBaseT receiver box to be placed at a remote location. The camera has 30x optical zoom, and supports up to 1080p resolution. It also has low latency, which makes it perfect for use with IMAG screens at worship houses, conference rooms, press rooms, and live concerts.
The PTC-150T is here. Leave a Comment
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