Volume 13, Issue 23 — December 5, 2016
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Editorial Editorial Editorial
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Industry News Projection Audio Control & Signal Processing Media Players, Recording & Distribution Cables, Cases, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens & Accessories Unified Collaborative Conferencing
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Why AI Isn’t Taking Over AV
By Mark Coxon rAVe Blogger
It’s always interesting to hear people’s take on the future of technology. There seems to be a fanaticism built around Moore’s Law, the Turing Test, and the ability of computers to become “conscious.” It usually ends in a theory of technology not unlike the rise of Skynet’s machines in the Terminator movies.
If you’re not familiar with all the talk around these issues, ask Google about them and see what you find.
For brevity’s sake, I’ll include a couple definitions below.
Moore’s Law is the observation that the number of transistors in an integrated circuit doubles every two years, thereby doubling computer processing.
The Turing Test is a test for intelligence in a computer, requiring that a human being should be unable to distinguish the machine from another human being by using the replies to questions put to both.
Now I’ve talked a little about Moore’s Law before — I’m not disputing the accuracy of the transistor assertion, but more questioning the fact that merely doubling transistors makes things faster but doesn’t directly birth innovation.
As I stated before,
I can put one engineer with little creativity in a room and he will produce nothing new or innovative. I can then add three more engineers with little creativity into that same room, effectively quadrupling the “computing power” and still get nothing new. Just because the computing power quadruples, innovation isn’t spawned automatically. There needs to be a creative spark, typically spurred by asking a question in a new and unique way.
As for the Turing Test, a chatbot created in 2014 named Eugene supposedly passed it in 2014 by tricking people into believing human responses were computer generated while the computer responses were uniquely human. On the surface this may seem like an AI victory, that a machine was perceived as more human than actual humans, but if you dig a little you’ll notice that the Turing Tet has many skeptics, partly because the interactions are timed.
Why does a time limit affect the end result? Well, the main argument against it revolves around something called the mannequin effect. One mat very well bump up against a mannequin in a store believing it is a human and quickly apologize based on the brief interaction and a quick glance. However, the longer that interaction continues, the more apparent the nature of the mannequin becomes. The Turing Test times out that interaction, which favors the machine.
So as good as Alexa and Siri have become, and despite their first names and constant companionship, a conversation of any length will quickly reveal their bits and bytes. Even IBM’s Watson, arguably the most powerful and advanced AI engine around today, suffers from this same fate.
There is something unique to being “human.” Something beyond a simple accumulation of the data that we consume with our eyes and ears. I’m not arguing the metaphysical here, just the uniqueness.
I was in a chat room with some SMPTE engineers once discussing digital video and active vs. passive 3D, (yes, I need help) and one of those engineers made an eloquent statement that I wish I would’ve done a screen capture on. To paraphrase, they said that,
“Somewhere in the back of the human mind, where neurons are firing to process all of those projected or backlit pixels 60 times a second, the brain perceives a difference between that digital stimulation and the actual reflection of light back to our cones and rods in a physical, naturally lit environment.”
That comment immediately rang true to me and has always been in the back of my mind when people say that VR the real world will someday be indistinguishable from one another. No matter how deep the rabbit hole gets, I think that the brain, will on some level, always know that it’s in the Matrix, just like it discerns the difference between dreams and consciousness.
I also remember an experience that I had as an integrator when the firm I worked for was doing a job for an air and space museum centered around Robonaut 1 and the robotic DARPA arm, named Robbie. Part of our contract involved recording content consisting of interviews with the scientists working on these cutting edge technologies. I sat in the office with the man who was editing the content, so I heard countless hours of the content. The common theme was that it was impossible to teach robots “how to think.” They could create all sorts of logical problem programs and data analysis that utilized machine learning, but were nowhere close to critical thinking let alone consciousness.
There was an example of telling the robot to get a pencil. You can code the possible locations: desk, drawer, cabinet; you can scan multiple images of the pencil into the computer and give the robot a camera as an eye. But that simple task, go get a pencil, may still be very difficult for the robot to achieve. A person on the other hand can see a pile of papers and know that something may be hiding beneath or notice a laptop bag at the end of the desk and look inside the zippered pocket to reveal the prize.
For set tasks, technology with some machine learning and AI may very well be good enough, but for critical thinking it’s just not close yet. Machines and systems using AI need highly intelligent humans to write the if then loops they so desperately depend upon as well as to monitor them in case situations arise that just aren’t in that data base yet.
Alexa may be a great way to control your home, but in reality you’re doing nothing greater technologically than pressing the button you used to push on your control panel. “Alexa, turn the heat up to 75” is an easy thing to program. Data relating outside temperature to inside temperature may also be helpful for the machine to learn when you turn on the AC vs. the heat and at what temperatures you usually set to come up with a program for the Nest. On the flip side, getting Alexa to realize that when a user exercises in the morning, she should turn the AC down, and that when there’s a new baby she should turn the heat up is a different thing altogether, but an observing human understands those correlations immediately.
AI is great. Data is amazing. Machine learning is an incredible feat.
But there is still a human factor to interacting with the world that eludes them all.
I was on a podcast about the Samsung and Harman acquisition where an industry stalwart again promoted his platform that states people don’t want a rack full of hardware, they prefer simplified and unified devices.
I don’t necessarily agree or disagree. I believe people actually don’t care what the hardware is as long as it solves the problem. It could be a rack of gear or an app. It doesn’t matter either way. The customer isn’t buying either, they are buying the answer to their problem, regardless of the methodology used to provide it.
My issue was more with his assessment that because of this trend that integrators are overconfident in their value to the end customer.
Sure, the hardware may no longer need a lot of “integration” as four boxes have now been integrated into one, but the user experience itself as a direct result is not automatically good. The software may be advanced; the system may mic the room, play test tones and calibrate itself; the control software may learn how different users utilize the space.
That’s all well and good, but a computer doesn’t know what sounds “tinny” or that the CEO has a slight hearing loss that needs to be accounted for in certain frequencies. Systems with ambient noise mics that automatically adjust volume levels to achieve better signal to noise ratios only work to a degree. STI is still only measured by achieving even coverage and by evaluating RT60.
The point is that the science can be sound (no pun intended) but the user experience trumps all. The numbers all may add up in the GPU of a deep learning electronic brain, but the experience may still lack something.
Science says that a highly directional hypersonic speaker playing two separate sounds out of phase to create a net frequency within the range of human hearing should work. Reality says that it does work in generating the sound, but that the listener has an adverse reaction on a physiological level to hypersonic waves that gives them a feeling of uneasiness if left listening to them for too long. The computer and the human hear the same sound, but the human feels differently than when listening to a traditional speaker at that same frequency.
My point is that although our systems may get less complex, utilize more software and less hardware, and become easier to control and program, as well as “learn” how to be more efficient and relevant over time, they will never understand the human experience. There will always be value in the presence of a real person, trained in the technology, who knows how to address these issues and how to make sure that the AV environments we create are optimized to the actual users themselves with their unique and subjective experiences of the technology.
In order to fulfill the promise of exceptional experiences, we must be able to actually experience the effects of the systems we create. A machine cannot “experience” anything and I’m uncertain that they ever will be able to. The value of the integrator in the equation is not in connecting boxes or writing code, it is in their humanness, in their ability to experience the system once installed and in being able to empathize with the end-user to create something worth more than the out of the box solution.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Leave a Comment
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Creating Conference Room Standards for AV
By Pete Kolak Juniper Networks
In an era of self-driving cars, self-lacing shoes (thanks, Marty) and privatized space travel, shouldn’t we be farther along with corporate communication tools?
Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of great stuff out there but in our corporate search to meet basic needs, sometimes it appears there are few reliable options.
Take for example streaming media. There are a couple of great companies out there, but they force you to the cloud, in some cases, or they are missing vast areas of features. There are limitations on options and worries about sustainability. Then in the world of videoconferencing you have a few choices, some are innovative and others have a clear goal to take over the world by dumping their products in the corporate world for practically free. Just buy their switches 😉
In all this chaos, trying to define room standards for a corporation can be daunting and difficult to achieve. I have the belief that a company should adopt a standard that is implemented to create ease of use, service and a reliable experience for the end user.
Having been in this industry for over 19 years, it’s become obvious that the products have changed, but the same asks and needs are virtually the same. There are several things that need to be considered when defining these standards.
First, you have to define how often you will update your standards once they have been defined. This needs to be decided from the outset or every time a shiny object shows up, you’ll be putting your standards into chaos.
Once your standards are defined, you must set guidelines as to the scenario’s to justify a change.
- Significant feature improvement outside your current offerings. Swapping like features for a different like features does not justify a standard change. There’s complexities and support concerns to just swap for the sake of swapping.
- Significant cost reduction without feature loss. Changing a standard to save a little money is not worth the change if features that are important are lost.
- Consistent technology designs. Staying with the same brands such as Samsung/Sony/LG, Polycom/Cisco, Crestron/Extron, Apple/Android, etc. will allow you to maintain smaller spares count, and provide simpler support for contracts and personnel on the ground.
- Having a goal to eliminate a product or company from your portfolio should only be driven by the company’s stability and relevance in the market place, not because someone somewhere doesn’t “like” a vendor or company.
Set standards update to semi-annually or annually. Updating too frequently creates deployments of different era equipment and becomes a support nightmare.
Supportability is paramount. Any standard’s highest test should be in its ability to be remotely supportable. Most companies don’t have the staff to support AV on the ground. Can you remotely connect, modify and update the system without deploying a technician?
Application based vs. OS based products are always a question. Personally, I am not a fan of OS-based systems and prefer application-based products. Microsoft and other OS makers tend to push updates that can turn a working system into a paper weight or at the very least, missing a few key features. It’s happened to me on several occasions, and I can tell you, it takes weeks, if not months to undo the damage.
I also recommend steering clear of recommending stand-alone products to solve a specific request as it is less manageable and harder to support. This applies to digital white-boarding primarily. There are few options out there, and it is difficult to find one that fits with your standards. Picking a standalone product should be a last resort to meet a customers need, and you should work to design equipment that is integrated with similar products in various experience types.
Avoid consumer grade solutions. If I had a dollar for every time someone demanded Apple TV, I’d be retired. I’ve also heard the age old adage, “Let’s just get a monitor from Costco. We can buy three and still be cheaper.” Those will dog you for eternity, but you simply cite the fact for ease of remote support, the cost of install doesn’t go away and most consumer grade products update software to the point that any control or monitoring becomes useless after the first couple of software patches.
Consider the cost of bandwidth. If you take for example a Lync room system and compare it to a Polycom/Cisco codec, you’ll find that the Lync Room System actually consumes approximately 15 megs in a call. Now, Microsoft will tell you 4 to 5 megs (still, that’s a lot, and the quality is usually far worse), but our internal testing shows anything less than 11 megs and the call would not transmit video in both directions.
If you calculate the cost of bandwidth retail, it will cost about $10/MB per month. Using working days and working hours, you can calculate a 15 meg call to cost about $0.22/hour. That same call using 2 megs on a Polycom/Cisco system will only cost about $0.01/hour. That’s 22 times more expensive for the call. Keep in mind this isn’t actual costs, that’s nearly impossible to factor, but it’s a guide to consider when choosing a conferencing solution.
R&D Efforts should also be focused on the most effective improvements. Several groups get bogged down by what’s the latest and the greatest. Instead, figure out what’s the biggest pain points for your end users. Here’s what I’ve found is an area of focus that should be looked at:
- Auto Camera tracking, to increase visual interaction, and remove user controls. People really don’t want to use the technology, they just “want it to work.” Either that of fixed camera’s with smaller conference rooms.
- Auto mic tracking, like the Shure ceiling and table mic (MXA910 and MXA310) to increase verbal clarity and ease.
- Wireless content share is a common ask, there are solutions, but some companies have network constraints, such as different networks for customers and employees, and the problem of bridging that connection comes down to your information security group.
In conclusion, defining standards for a corporation is a multifaceted approach. You must consider support first, and then pair that with feature sets that meet customer needs.
You will encounter resistance to maintain a standard. Your facilities team will complain about costs, higher ups outside your organization will complain about features, nearly everyone will complain that you’re not using the latest consumer grade product, but, don’t be daunted, you are standing on the right side of the problem if you’re support focused in your solution set. Remember, it costs thousands of dollars per minute (man hours) across a company for people to be bogged down engaging your solution and problems that can’t be solved quickly. So keep it simple, keep it supportable, and don’t be afraid to stand up and voice your concerns.
This column was reprinted with permission from Pete Kolak and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
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My Second Thoughts About the $8B Samsung Is Spending to Buy Harman
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
So, it’s been almost a week and, since then, I’ve reached out to a number of former Harman execs, insiders at Harman and industry gurus that know much more than me about mergers and acquisitions — all in pursuit of finding out what Samsung is going to do with the various Harman brands.
Here’s what we all know — and can probably agree on:
Harman has some of the most valuable ProAV and HomeAV brands in the world — in total, $1.1 Billion worth. Harman did acquisitions right. Unlike when InFocus bought Proxima — one of the worst buyouts in AV-history — they kept all the brands with their own individual branding, management team and, best of all, people. Harman just tried to institute synergies between the companies. They didn’t try to rebrand them as Harman, and they didn’t take over day-to-day operations — they attempted to keep the culture of each company alive.
For the most part, this was amazingly successful.
The lone exception seems to be AMX. AMX was the #2 programmable control system company, behind Crestron, for nearly 10 years running, in ALL of AV, before being purchased by Harman. When a client talked about integrating “a XX control system” in their boardroom, meeting room or even their home, more times than not, over the past two decades, those X’s would be replaced by Crestron or AMX.
However, and truth be told, and this wasn’t Harman’s fault at the time of the purchase of AMX, AMX was falling a bit behind in launching truly innovative control systems as well as in “dumbing” down the market and launching less sophisticated control systems that were simpler to use and program — and even “configurable.” Crestron launched Pyng and Extron truly entered the programmable control system market right about the same time as the Harman purchase. So, many integrators and industry followers believe that AMX may have fallen to a third choice anyway (with or without the Harman deal).
Now, the high-end control system market landscape — in commercial AV anyway, is certainly Crestron, Extron and then AMX.
In HomeAV, there aren’t a clear top-three unless you categorize them in to programmable and configurable. Either way, AMX isn’t in the top three. But, they were clawing back — and at CEDIA this past year, they were clearly focused on that goal.
Back to the acquisition.
Samsung may have, as all the press and financial markets seem to believe, purchased Harman for their car integration technology and products, but they also have also, whether accidentally or intentionally, acquired some of the top 25 brands in AV. Of course, AMX is there, along with Crown, JBL, Soundcraft, Martin, AKG, Mark Levinson, Infinity and you might even argue that Studer or dbx belongs in there. Oh, and don’t forget about Harman itself — that name is all over cars and homes all over the world. These are top-shelf brands.
So, herein lies the conundrum: Samsung has, historically, rebranded all their acquisitions with, well, Samsung. Sure, Samsung has huge consumer brand appeal but, certainly in the ProAV space, most would agree that nearly every Harman-owned brand has better mindshare and market respect than Samsung itslef. JBL, AMX, Crown, BSS — these are all brands that ProAV insiders would absolutely agree are stronger.
Don’t get me wrong — Samsung has the money and the creative talent to re-brand these companies with the Samsung moniker and be successful. But why not leave them alone?
As everyone in the worked who’s written about this acquisition as mentioned, Samsung bought Harman to stake a leadership claim and instant market share in the future of the car. As a byproduct, they also acquired brands stronger than them.
Why not NOT take a page from the “InFocus Buys Proxima” and the “Panasonic Buys Sanyo” playbook and NOT do what those two companies did? Why not NOT fold those brands into the Samsung name, leave the 16 stand-alone Harman ProAV and high-end HomeAV brands alone and do exactly what Harman was doing? Let them keep their culture, their separate product lines and their people.
When I first wrote — five days ago — about this acquisition, I pondered that there would be no way that Samsung would keep these brands separate and would likely fold them all in to one giant Samsung banner or, maybe even sell them off. But now I think there are some really smart people over there at both Harman and Samsung who, hopefully, will pay attention to each other and let these 15 companies keep their individual identities, products, technologies and PEOPLE. They could just keep the Harman umbrella to hold those collective $1.1 Billion companies and keep on keepin’ on.
Either way, it’s likely going to be mid-2017 before we know for sure. In the meantime, let’s hope that Samsung didn’t hire the Panasonic exec who made the decision to wipe the Sanyo name off the planet or the former president of InFocus who decided that their name was stronger than Proxima’s was.
That’s all for now. Leave a Comment
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Cirque du Soleil President Daniel Lamarre Announced as ISE 2017 Closing Keynote
Integrated Systems Europe has confirmed that Daniel Lamarre, the president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil, will present the show’s Closing Keynote speech on Fri., Feb. 2017.
For over 30 years, Cirque du Soleil has been at the cutting edge of live entertainment creation and production with shows such as Varekai, Amaluna, TORUK — The First Flight, inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar, The Beatles LOVE and Michael Jackson ONE combining stunning acrobatics, theatrics, visuals and music. Cirque du Soleil has consistently shown how creative expression can benefit from the adoption of the latest audio-visual technologies when used to enhance and compliment a show’s key storylines. Today, the company operates across five continents and is the world’s largest theatrical production company.
Before taking on his current role Lamarre enjoyed a long and distinguished career in international business development in the creative industries, including time spent with the TVA Broadcast Group, National Public Relations and Burson Marsteller.
Lamarre is currently responsible for Cirque du Soleil’s business strategy and financial growth. He balances this with maintaining the integrity, culture and values of the company alongside overseeing Cirque du Soleil’s creative department and the creation of all news shows. He believes that creativity is the key to successful commerce and cites his ability to alleviate fear for business people who look to operate on a global scale as one of his key attributes.
Two of Lamarre’s greatest business achievements involve the music icons Michael Jackson and The Beatles. Cirque du Soleil’s production of LOVE, based on The Beatles’ music, is the only live show ever agreed upon by the group. The celebration of Michael Jackson’s work ONE was produced after fierce competition with other entertainment giants working with the performer’s estate. Both accomplishments highlight Lamarre’s highly developed business skills and his ability to connect and establish a close rapport with the giants of the creative community. In 2012 he collaborated on the creation of the C2MTL Conference, a one-of-a-kind coming together of leading creative and business professionals.
Lamarre said: “As emerging technologies continue to grow their influence on live entertainment, it is timely for me to participate in ISE 2017. I will have an opportunity to share my vision on how new technologies will have a huge impact on artistic content.”
Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events, Mike Blackman, commented: “ISE and its co-owners CEDIA and InfoComm International are proud to welcome Daniel Lamarre as our Closing Keynote for ISE 2017. It will be fascinating to hear the inside story of Cirque du Soleil from such a respected and successful business development expert.”
ISE 2017 will take place at the RAI, Amsterdam from 7-10 February 2017.
Registration to attend ISE 2017 is already open and rAVe has a FREE registration code: 250332. Go here to register to go to ISE for free! Leave a Comment
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CompView, Unified AV Systems and Digitavia Create Global AV ConsortiumCompView, Unified AV Systems and Digitavia have announced the creation of the Global AV Partnership (GAVP), a consortium of audiovisual integrators created to design and deliver highly functional meeting spaces to a worldwide customer base.
GAVP will support enterprise clients across five continents via their specialized globally-based workforce of over 500 AV professionals. The GAVP offers the enterprise client a truly scalable source for all their audiovisual, unified communications, maintenance, support and system installation requirements.
“This is not a new concept but one our customers are telling us is not being delivered well. We have developed the GAVP to solve this problem.” said Darren Pitt, Digitavia.
Large corporations are challenged with implementing AV systems across their campuses as most integrators can only offer regional, or at best, national support. Enterprise clients are therefore left with little choice but to manage multiple AV integrators for each of the countries they operate in. This results in a much greater burden on the client, inconsistent results in the implementation of AV systems and the failure to adhere to the standards-based approach they are striving to achieve.
The founding members of the Global AV Partnership have come together to create a truly customer focused global offering, delivering consistent, quality AV systems the buyer can implement with confidence.
The GAVP team has a customer base consisting of the world’s biggest brands and a proven track record of meeting and exceeding customer expectations.
The Global AV Consortium can be found here.
Membership in the Global AV Partnership is currently open to additional partners. To be considered for membership companies must: support ongoing staff development and industry certification, operate within a sustainable business model, have a defined project management and installation process, and demonstrate a proven track record of successful large-scale project delivery with exceptional customer satisfaction. Leave a Comment
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AVI-SPL Buys Anderson AV AVI-SPL today announced the acquisition of Anderson Audio Visual (“Anderson”). Anderson’s market leading regional capabilities will strengthen AVI-SPL’s presence in high growth markets and expand AVI-SPL’s industry leading global support and services platform to current and prospective customers.
Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Anderson has six locations (four in California, one in Texas, and one in North Carolina). It is currently ranked as the AV industry’s 17th largest revenue generator.
“As part of our strategic growth plan, we want to deepen our resources in areas we are witnessing high demand, like the tech sector in California,” said John Zettel, CEO of AVI-SPL. “Adding AVI-SPL’s global capabilities and award-winning managed services, with Anderson’s top talent and culture of agility makes this a great day for our teams and our customers.”
Since announcing its new relationship in April 2016, AVI-SPL and private equity firm H.I.G. Capital have expressed their shared desire for AVI-SPL to expand its resources and capabilities to widen its gap as the leading total solutions provider for workspaces around the world. With the welcoming of Anderson to the company, as well as the recent opening of its German office to support organizations throughout Europe, AVI-SPL has taken the initial steps in achieving this strategy.
Shane Parkes, Anderson’s co-founder and CEO commented, “We look forward to the strategic alliance of AVI-SPL and Anderson. The combined company will offer an unmatched global scale and services platform for our customers, while continuing to offer high quality local AV solutions.”
“Shane and the Anderson team have built a meaningful fast growth business over the past twenty years,” added Zettel. “AVI-SPL is thrilled to share this significant next step in our growth plan together with them.”
Anderson AV is here and AVI-SPL is here. Leave a Comment
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AptoVision Expands BlueRiver NT+ Series of AV-over-IP Chipsets AptoVision today announced BlueRiver NT1000, the latest product in AptoVision’s BlueRiver NT+ Series of AV-over-IP chipsets,which remain the world’s only chipsets to transport uncompressed, zero-latency Ultra HD/4K HDR over Ethernet. BlueRiver NT1000 delivers all the advanced IP-switching and extension capabilities AptoVision is known for, while reducing the bill of material costs for AV over IP encoders and decoders by up to 50%.
Purpose built and cost optimized for AV/KVM switching and extension applications, the HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 compliant BlueRiver NT1000 can transmit true 4K/60Hz (4:4:4) video with zero frame latency over 100m of CAT‐x or 30KM of fiber. It supports the complete range of signal types including audio, GbE, USB 2.0, RS232 and IR, all of which can be routed independently. Audio can be extracted from or injected into any HDMI stream within the network.
AptoVision’s flagship chipset, the BlueRiver NT+, is now renamed BlueRiver NT2000 and continues to offer high-value AV processing capabilities which enable video-wall, multi-view and seamless switching applications. Together, the two members of the BlueRiver NT+ Series allow manufacturers to offer a top-to-bottom portfolio of AV-over-IP products which address the full range of feature, performance and pricing requirements for virtually all AV applications.
The full BlueRiver NT+ Series will be on display at ISE 2017 (Amsterdam, February 7-10) on stand 12-H55. Here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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The Founder of projectiondesign Debuts New Projector Company Dubbed norxeUsing all lower-case letter again, the founder of projectiondesign, Jorn Eriksen, launched another projector company in the form of norxe. norxe is debuting on the market first with a lineup of projectors aimed at simulation but have plans to expand the line by ISE.
Located in Fredrikstad, Norway, where projectiondesign was started, Eriksen has assembled many of the originals from projectiondesign to launch the company and says that they are aiming for high-end projection including simulation, VR (virtual reality), control rooms and medical applications — all above 4,000 lumens.
The first model, launched this week, is the P1. The norxe P1 projector is spec’d at 4,000 ANSI lumens using solid-state LED illumination. ISE in Amsterdam will be their big roll-out and they are looking for dealers.
Norxe is here. Leave a Comment
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JVC Debuts Native 4K D-ILA Projector Aimed at the Simulation Market JVC Visual Systems today announced the DLA-VS4500 Visualization Series projector, which combines native 4K resolution and JVC’s BLU-Escent illumination system that’s specifically for the simulation market.
With three native 4K DCI (4096×2160) D-ILA imagers, the DLA-VS4500 is capable of displaying 12-bit color, is spec’d at 3,000 ANSI lumens and supports 120Hz refresh rates. A full range of high MTF fixed and zoom lens options will be available to meet various throw ratio requirements.
JVC’s BLU-Escent laser/phosphor technology is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lamp-based illumination. JVC says it is ideally suited for the simulation market because it provides high reliability over extended operating hours, maintains stable brightness and color, delivers very high contrast and dynamic range and allows flexible mounting orientations. The DLA-VS4500 has an estimated 20,000-hour light source life, utilizing JVC’s second generation BLU-Escent technology.
The DLA-VS4500 will be available in spring 2017 but no price has been set yet. Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Barco’s Newest 4K UHD Laser Phosphor Is Aimed at Simulation Barco announced the introduction of its new laser phosphor-based F70 Series specially built for the simulation market. With 4K UHD resolution (3840×2160 resolution), the F70 family of simulation projectors are fitted with protective metal encasing the entire projector, making it a choice for motion platform mounting. With a lifetime of up to 60,000 hours (depending on the mode of operation), the F70 is one of the most durable projectors on the market and is ready for service in the most demanding simulation environments — including 24/7 mode.
The F70 has Constant Light Output (CLO) functionality where the projector produces constant brightness and color over an extended period of time. Using Barco’s proprietary Single Step Processing (SSP) technology, all image processing for 4K UHD — including warp, blend, gamma and color — is calculated in a single operation. Performing this procedure in just a single step produces a much higher overall image quality, with a sharper image and fewer artifacts and less latency.
The design of the F70 also takes into account the mounting requirements and suite of lenses of their F3x series — including the FL and FS models — making the F70 the upgrade easier and cheaper.
With brightness levels in simulation configurations of up to 5,000 lumens, the F70 is one of the brightest single-chip DLP projectors on the market with 4K UHD resolution. Features especially designed for simulation include smear reduction (improving the image in a high-speed setting), and the dual input WQXGA @120 Hz (allowing either 3D stereoscopy, High Frame Rate or dual input IR and RGB content). In addition to the F70, there is also the dedicated FS70, which features enhanced IR goggle stimulation through a dedicated IR illumination source.
Here are all the specifics. Leave a Comment
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Sescom Intros Small, Light Pro Audio VU MeterNeed to check your levels but there’s no more room in your Equipment Rack? Can’t imagine squeezing one more unit into the monitor wall? Then you need to check out the Sescom SES-VUA-1RU Pro Audio VU Meter. This controlled ballistic 40-LED per channel display is super small and light, great for tight spaces.
Ruggedly constructed in a powder coated steel enclosure with Phoenix connectors to provide secure and fast hard wiring of balanced stereo audio signals the SES-VUA-1RU takes up only 1 RU, is less than 1″ deep and weighs only 2 pounds. You get control over features like LED brightness, left and right channel sensitivities and a selectable Display Mode. This pro broadcast audio reference VU Meter has a scale of -25db to +14db and displays loudness, loudness and peak, loudness and peak hold or sum and difference.
Features:
- Balanced Stereo Analog Signals
- Phoenix-Style Connectors
- User Controls: LED Brightness, Channel R and L Sensitivities, Mode
- Display Mode: Loudness, Loudness + Peak, Loudness +Peak Hold, Sum/Diff
- Compact Design: 1RU, < 1-inch deep
- Rugged, powder-coated steel metal enclosure
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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BEHRINGER Ships KM Series Power Amps BEHRINGER is shipping two new stereo models, the 1,700-watt KM1700 and 750-watt KM750, both integrated with ATR (Accelerated Transient Response) technology. BEHRINGER says its ATR technology merges power with high-tech efficiency, creating lightweight amplifiers.
The KM1700 is specified as 1,700 watts (bridged) with two 800-watt channels at 4 ohms or two 500-watt channels at 8 ohms into a 27.5 lbs/12.5 kg package, while the KM750 provides 750 watts bridged with two 400-watt channels into 4 ohms or two 200-watt chanenls into 8 ohms, weighing 18.7 lbs/8.5 kg. In addition, both have switchable limiters for overload protection and use XLR and 1/4″ TRS input connectors for compatibility with any source. List prices for the KM1700 and KM750 are $199.99 and $149.99, respectively.
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Sennheiser Creates SC 660 TC High Performance Headset for Special Hearing Needs Sennheiser has created the SC 660 TC, a premium double-sided wired headset for office professionals that use hearing aids. The latest addition to Sennheiser’s high quality Century wired headset series, the SC 660 TC is compatible with all standard, telecoil-equipped hearing aids. The durable and brilliantly comfortable headset brings all the benefits of the range to users with special hearing needs, improving their communication experience and productivity.
With Sennheiser Voice Clarity wideband sound and its ultra noise canceling microphone, the SC 660 TC delivers a natural voice experience that makes conversations clear — optimizing speech intelligibility even in noisy contact center and office environments. In addition to the speaker, SC 660 TC is equipped with a hearing aid-compatible telecoil transmitter on each side of the headset, resulting in a better sound experience and offering the user the greater flexibility of a double-sided solution. The transmitters send a magnetic field that can be picked up directly by the hearing aid, making it easy for users to focus on a conversation without the distractions of background noise.
As a Century series headset, the SC 660 TC uses a high-quality neodymium speaker for outstanding HD sound quality. This can work alongside the enhanced listening experience offered by the telecoil. The headset features Sennheiser ActiveGard technology that protects users from acoustic shock and sudden sound bursts.
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James Loudspeaker Intros the Omni Series Landscape Speaker James Loudspeaker has introduced the Omni48AT landscape satellite speaker and the Omni89AT satellite/subwoofer package. Both are made from marine-grade powder coated aluminum enclosures.
The James Loudspeaker Omni48AT is designed to deliver 360-degrees of sound from a single location. Utilizing four coaxially mounted 0.75-inch aluminum dome tweeters over proprietary high-excursion 4-inch woofers mated to a crossover network, these outdoor speakers say they will deliver a balanced musical presentation at any output levels. The 4-inch woofers feature an aluminum cone and Santoprene surround to withstand harsh outdoor environments.
The Omni89AT is an Omni48AT combined with a matching down-firing 8-inch subwoofer also housed in an aluminum enclosure. The Omni89AT delivers full range omnidirectional sound from an above ground solution that is designed to be unobtrusive. Typical applications include rocky landscape areas where traditional satellite/in-ground subwoofers cannot be installed, or a large area of open seating where full omnidirectional coverage is beneficial. The Omni89AT allows a single enclosure to do the same job as four 42AT All-Terrain satellite speakers with a subwoofer, delivering what the company says is high performance in a more compact single-chassis above-ground unit.
Both Omni Series models are available in 15 standard finishes as well as unlimited custom colors and coatings to allow seamless integration into all outdoor environments. Additionally, both models are available in 4-ohm or 70-volt versions to accommodate any system architecture. The 70-volt models use high-quality, low-loss, toroidal transformers. The system can also be custom ordered in a bi-amplified configuration, allowing more control over bass performance.
Prices:
- Omni48AT4 4-ohm $1000 each
- Omni48AT70 70-volt $1100 each
- Omni89AT4 4-ohm $1800 each
- Omni89AT70 70-volt $2000 each
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RME and Synthax Announce ADI-2 Pro AD/DA Converter Syntax, distributor for RME, announced the introduction of the ADI-2 Pro high-end AD/DA converter. The ADI-2 Pro is designed for mastering and measurement applications, plus hi-res audio playback — making it well suited to studio applications as well as use in theaters and performing arts venues. Based on the connections being made, the ADI-2 Pro will automatically switch to AD/DA converter, USB interface or analog preamp mode. A specific mode can be set if required.
The ADI-2 Pro converter includes two servo-balanced analog inputs on combo XLR/ TRS jacks, two separate balanced and unbalanced outputs on XLR and TRS connectors, two individual stereo ‘Extreme Power’ headphone outputs on the front, an optical SPDIF I/O that also recognizes the ADAT format, plus coaxial SPDIF (RCA) and AES I/O (XLR) via an included breakout cable. This universal set of I/O options enables the ADI-2 Pro to offer quality and flexible connectivity to those who take a no-compromise approach to audio.
The ADI-2 Pro’s USB 2.0 port is fully Class Compliant (UAC 2) for connection with compatible iOS devices and Mac OS computers. Windows 7 or up is also supported with WDM and ASIO by RME’s own driver. With the included external switched power supply with lockable connector, the ADI-2 Pro can be easily powered via battery, opening up mobile applications.
The ADI-2 Pro claims high-end AD/DA conversion, in both PCM and DSD mode. Utilizing SteadyClock III, RME’s unique jitter suppression technology that guarantees perfect sound quality, the unit supports sampling frequencies of up to 768 kHz and DSD256. Equally notable, the ADI-2 Pro provides an exceptional 5-band parametric EQ per channel and for all analog I/Os, offering efficient frequency correction of headphones and speakers.
The new RME ADI-2 Pro High-end AD/DA converter lists for $2,299. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Studio Technologies Releases Model 44D Dante Audio Interface Studio Technologies just introduced the new Model 44D, an audio interface that takes two channels of analog line-level audio to and from applications that utilize Dante audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology. Two Model 44D units can also provide one-to-one signal paths, two in each direction, over a standard local area network (LAN).
Dante audio-over-Ethernet provides an easy-to-use, high-quality audio “backbone” for a variety of fixed and field audio infrastructures, with deployment increasing dramatically over recent years. The Model 44D is a general-purpose tool that helps to expand Dante’s capabilities to facilities and equipment that primarily support signals in the analog domain and its key features reflect this. The Model 44D also supports transport of contact closures or status signals between Model 44Ds and other compatible products. Each unit provides two general-purpose inputs (GPIs) and two general-purpose outputs (GPOs). In-band audio signals (20 kHz tones) are used to transport the signals through the Dante paths.
Two line-level audio inputs use standard three-pin female XLR connectors for easy interfacing with balanced and unbalanced sources. The input audio signals are converted to 24-bit digital and then transported via the Dante interface. Two digital audio signals arrive via the Model 44D’s Dante interface and are then converted to analog. Two three-pin male XLR connectors on the unit’s back panel provide balanced line-level outputs. A nine-pin D-subminiature connector, also located on the back panel, is used to interface with the GPI and GPO signals.
For compatibility with SMPTE and EBU applications, a configuration choice allows the nominal level of the input signals to be +4 or 0 dBu. The unit provides two analog line-level output channels, which can also be set to +4 or 0 dBu. Both inputs and outputs are electronically balanced, capacitor coupled and ESD (static) protected.
The Model 44D provides four 5-segment LED meters located on the front panel. These display the level of the audio signals associated with the two line inputs and two line outputs. At the time of installation and setup, the meters are invaluable in helping to confirm correct operation. During normal operation the meters offer direct confirmation of the unit’s audio signal levels, helping to ensure optimal audio quality.
The Model 44D’s operating power can be provided by way of the Ethernet interface using the Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) standard. The unit can also be powered using an external source of 12 volts DC. The Model 44D connects to a data network using a standard 100 Mb/s twisted-pair Ethernet interface, with the physical interconnection made by way of a Neutrik etherCON RJ45 connector. The compact, lightweight enclosure is applicable for tabletop or portable applications. To support rack-mounting optional front panels are also available.
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Biamp Systems Adds TesiraLUX Online Certification Training Biamp Systems now offers online certification training for TesiraLUX, Tessera’s 4K networked video distribution solution. In addition, Biamp has added new webinars covering a variety of topics from “VoIP Basics” and “Troubleshooting 101” to “Designing a Conference Room” and “Logic and Presets in Tesira.” These offerings are part of Biamp’s award-winning training program that’s designed to fit around integrator and consultant schedules.
The TesiraLUX training will explain hardware features, system architecture, and video concepts, the bandwidth consumption of video signals and how to use new video partitions in Tesira software, network considerations for a TesiraLUX system and dynamic AVB stream utilization and routing. Since TesiraLUX training builds on the full Tesira platform training, it is required that attendees successfully complete both the TesiraFORTÉ online training and the Tesira in-person training sessions. TesiraLUX training will also qualify for InfoComm International CTS renewal units.
Biamp’s new webinars are taught by Biamp applications engineers and offered in English, Arabic and Mandarin. These courses are updated every six months and offer tips and techniques that allow anyone to brush up on current skills or expand their knowledge to get the most out of Biamp hardware and software.
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PureLink Debuts New MPX 100 II and MPX50 Media Players for Digital SignagePureLink has added the MPX100 II HD media player to its PureStream line of digital signage and IP video management solutions. Dubbed as the “Mark II” version of the MPX100, it now includes a 1.6 GHz Quad-core processor, additional USB 2.0 ports, as well as a key-lock on the front panel for content storage — it includes both HDMI and VGA outputs with audio.
Together with the MPX Management Software Suite, the MPX100 II is marketed as a complete digital signage solution for applications such as retail, restaurants, hotel lobbies, airport information, and public transportation.
Also PureLink added a new entry-level player called the MPX50. The PureStream MPX50 is a simple player for applications that don’t require any custom programming or software management. It plays media files from USB or SD card storage, allowing users to load images, videos, and audio content onto a USB or SD memory device drive and connect it directly to the box. It includes a VGA, HDMI and optical audio output. It’s basically a content slide player that were the duration of each slide is in 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-second increments and transitions between slides are limited to blinds vertical, horizontal, mosaic or random.
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Extron Launches New SMB 210 Low Profile Surface Mount Boxes for Extron Flex55 and EU Products Extron SMB 210 Series Low Profile Surface Mount Boxes are two-gang to four-gang enclosures for external mounting of Flex55 products, including active EU modules such as EBP eBUS button panels, DTP transmitters, and a wide variety of blank and pass‑through connectivity modules. SMB 210 Series surface mount boxes have a stylish, contoured, low profile design that complements any environment, bringing convenient access to power, connectors and control to lecterns, tabletops, and other flat surfaces. The optional Table Clamp Kit secures SMB 210 boxes to table edges without marring the surface. SMB 210 Series surface mount boxes are compatible with Extron’s Flex55 and EU products.
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SurgeX Axess Elite System Now Compatible with Compass ControlCompass Control module enables integration of Axess Elite in the Compass Control environment reducing the installation time for integrators. The module provides system users outlet-level control, monitoring and management of a system’s energy and power usage with additional temperature, voltage, and current draw measurements, while having access to a fully integrated control system with additional video, audio, lighting, climate, security and automation controls.
SurgeX Axess Elite Module is is designed to integrate into Compass Control UI via Compass Navigator software. It’s allows for IP enabled (two-way) communication with connected equipment, it displays real-time power and energy usage and is has COUVS catastrophic over/under voltage shutdown.
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AMX Ships HPX-MSP-10 10-Module Connection Port with 10.1″ Panel AMX is now shipping its HPX-MSP-10, a 10-module connection port with 10.1” Color LCD Touchpanel. The HPX-MSP-10 includes a Modero S Series Touch Panel built into the cover. When closed, the unit sits flush with the table top and when open, the unit provides easy access to the HydraPort modules and a full-featured Modero S Series Touch Panel.
The HPX-MSP-10 includes an ultra-thin 10.1″ control panel that includes all the Modero S features, including a 24-bit color panel with PoE connectivity, video streaming and VoIP support.
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Crestron Says It’s Sped Up the Response of Touch Screens With the New TSW Series Crestron is now shipping the new generation of TSW touch screens, which the company says has faster touch response. The TSW-560, TSW-760 and TSW 1060 are available at the same pricing as the prior generation.
New TSW touch screen features include a faster processor, a higher level of network security (enterprise-grade) including 802.1X, TLS, FIPS-140-2, SSH and SFTP, they use backlit capacitive buttons as well as an ambient light sensor and they have a built-in PinPoint proximity beacon. In upgrading such an important and popular product line, Crestron says they took special care not to make any changes that disrupt how integrators install and commission TSWs. The styling and colors remain the same, as does power via PoE and easy mounting options.
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Extron Intros DIN Rail-Mountable IP Link Pro Control Processors Extron just added more to its DIN Rail-Mountable product line with the introduction of the IPCP Pro 350DR and IPCP Pro 355DR. These high-performance, DIN-rail-mountable control processors are designed for centralized AV control in mid-sized applications. As with all IP Link Pro Series control processors, both feature advanced security standards and Gigabit Ethernet, which ensures compatibility with multiple TouchLink Pro touchpanels using a standard network infrastructure. The IPCP Pro 355DR features a secure, dedicated AV LAN port designed to control local AV devices and safeguard them from outside intrusion. The IPCP Pro 350DR and IPCP Pro 355DR can be used with Extron LinkLicense, which further adds to the capabilities of Extron Pro Series control systems. Either processor would be an ideal choice for controlling multiple devices and signal types within AV systems while providing the flexibility of DIN rail mounting.
The Extron IPCP Pro 350DR and IPCP Pro 355DR can be configured using Global Configurator Plus or Global Configurator Professional software or programmed using Extron Global Scripter. For enterprise-wide applications, GlobalViewer Enterprise can provide centralized AV resource monitoring, management, and control over a computer network. The IPCP Pro 350DR and IPCP Pro 355DR can communicate with multiple TouchLink Pro touchpanels over a standard Ethernet network allowing utilization of existing network infrastructure.
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AptoVision Releases BlueRiver API AptoVision today announced BlueRiver API, a complete application programming interface that lets developers easily harness all the features of AptoVision’s BlueRiver NT+ Series of AV-over-IP chipsets, the world’s only technology to transport uncompressed, zero-latency Ultra HD/4K HDR over Ethernet.
BlueRiver API and the full BlueRiver NT+ Series of AV signal distribution chipsets will be presented at ISE 2017 (Amsterdam, February 7-10) on stand 12-H55.
“As with any comprehensive, well-designed application programming interface, BlueRiver API provides a set of simple subroutine definitions, protocols, and tools that control complex tasks to make it easier for developers to program their applications,” said Justin Kennington, strategic and technical marketing director at AptoVision. “No longer are development schedules bogged down with months of custom firmware coding and tuning. Product developers can focus on creating the perfect user interfaces and AV management tools for their targeted market segments in education, healthcare, enterprise, entertainment, hospitality, retail, houses of worship, government, military, industrial and security – wherever the need for uncompromised zero-latency 4K video arises.”
The building blocks in BlueRiver API include easy interfaces to control upscaling up to 4K, downscaling, aspect ratio management, frame rate conversion, chroma sample conversion, video wall processing, image compositing, audio downmixing, video routing, independent audio routing, multicast IGMP management and much more.
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AV Stumpfl Demos Uncompressed 8K Server with 12Bit Color SpacePromising to impress integrators, operators and exhibition designers, the Wings Engine Raw 8K claims to be the only media server of its type to offer uncompressed image quality of up to four simultaneous streams of 4K resolution (making one 8K image via a 2×2 configuration) for playback of native content. This server is also spec’d to handle 120fps as well as stereoscopic 3D imaging. And the Wings Engine Raw 8K media servers are capable of displaying visuals using a full 12-bit color space.
All Wings Engine Raw media servers now come with Dual 10 GBit network cards and certified NAS (network attached storage) systems that are certified 10 GBit switches.
In addition to the new 8K server, the Wings Vioso RX software now features a dedicated data management and transfer system that does not require all data to be physically copied onto a “Master” server. Instead, data can be copied to the NAS and assigned as so called “Proxy Objects” in the timelines. All “Slave” servers can now get their content directly from the NAS systems. Wings Vioso RX also features a built in XML interface which can be used to import data from third parties. Timelines can be generated automatically from third party data this way, to create a smooth workflow for integrating existing CMS data into new installation/digital signage setups.
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WPS Adds File Sharing, Presenting and Recording in iOS AppWPS Office Software today announced new features in the iOS version of its complete office productivity suite, offering iPhone users more file sharing, presenting and recording features.
WPS Office for iOS is part of the WPS Office Suite — an office productivity suite with Writer, Presentation, Spreadsheets and a PDF reader — available for Windows and Linux PCs, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices.
The new features in WPS Office for iOS include:
- File Transfer — File Transfer is a unique feature that allows users to send files to and from their computer and iOS device. Easily created by entering the IP address provided, into the computer’s browser — users simply drag and drop files from computer to iPhone, and those same files can be transferred back to the computer.
- Wire Projection — The new Wire Projection capability turns an iOS device into a presenter. Using a wired connection and VGA/HDMI adapter, users can project a presentation from their iOS device to a TV/Projector/Display, enabling them to view it on a full screen that can be easily shared with others. The WPS Wire Projection has been optimized to ensure maximum resolution despite various Projector/TV screen size.
- Wireless Projection — Wireless Projection helps those who don’t have a dongle for their iPhone or iPad. Users can simply send their presentations to any Smart Connect TV (DLNA) or Airplay device.
- Record PPT — With Record PPT, users can create video content from presentations that can be posted to YouTube or delivered as webinars for example. From within Record PPT, a user selects a file and is then prompted to record his/her voice while presenting the slides. When finished, the recorded slides, along with any drawings/markings made by the user and the user’s voice, are saved as an MP4 file.
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FSR Makes LITE-IT Standard for Its Outdoor Wall Boxes FSR is making installation and configuration of its Outdoor Wall Box (OWB) line even easier by including its LITE-IT Enclosure Box Light as standard. LITE-IT provides hands-free interior illumination anywhere a work light is needed.
FSR’s line of outdoor wall boxes was expanded earlier this year with the introduction of the OWB-500P, a unit that accommodates AV and IT connections and was designed for all outdoor venues. Already one of the easiest units to install, LITE-IT will make fast work of connecting the 8” deep box in dimly lit areas. FSR’s OWB-X3 is also being shipped with LITE-IT as standard.
FSR’s LITE-IT, winner of rAVe [Publications] 2014 Best of InfoComm Awards for “Best New AV Accessory”, securely fastens to any ferrous metal surface via a “rare earth” magnetic mounting. A timed circuit automatically turns LITE-IT off after 75 seconds, and its anti-retrigger circuit prevents it from staying on even if the switch is held continuously. Its warm 3000K LED color for eye comfort provides over 12 Lumens of light output (20% more than a standard PR-2 flashlight bulb), and its super-efficient wide angle dual LED¹s furnish a uniform lighting pattern with uniform brightness to the very end of battery life. High-quality alkaline batteries are included and pre-installed and provide 4+ years of typical usage from a single pair of batteries (Based on 2 operations per day, 5 days per week, 52 weeks per year).
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Middle Atlantic Illuminates Rack Enclosures with Rackmount LED Work LightMiddle Atlantic Products is now providing integrators with a simple new way to improve rack installation and servicing experiences. The company’s new LT Series Rackmount LED Work Light is the only rack light to mount vertically or horizontally anywhere in the rack, providing illumination anywhere needed when working inside racks, furniture, and other enclosures. Available in single-light or a dual-light bar models, the LT Series Rackmount LED Work Light is a simple solution for a faster, more efficient integration experience.
The LT Series Rackmount LED Work Light ships with multiple power adapters to meet the lighting needs of international applications. It features an adjustable light bar that can be angled so that its bright-white LEDs illuminate the full height of a rack enclosure. Its low-profile, unobtrusive design ensures it won’t impose on the installation and serviceability of the enclosure. With a simple push of the integrated power button, integrators have full rack visibility.
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$299 WAVE Turns Any TV or Monitor Into an Interactive TouchScreen DisplayYes, you read that right. For $299 (well, $249 for a limited time), a company called TouchJet out of Singapore (with an office in San Francisco) has invented (and is shipping) a product they are calling WAVE. WAVE is a small camera you place at the top of a display and it has an extension with an IR lens that is calibrated to size (20″ to 65″) of monitor you are using. It connects to the display via an HDMI port and turns any monitor out TV into a touch-screen. And, it actually works!
The WAVE is a bit more than just a camera — I over-simplified it above. It’s like a small set-top box that contains a 2.0GHz Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A9 chip, a built-in optical touch sensor, support four simultaneous touch points (or you can use the included stylus if you’d prefer not to use your fingers) and uses an Android 4.4 OS. Set-up takes less than 10 minutes and it connects via Wi-Fi to any network.
It’s targeted towards the consumer market for people who want to turn their TV’s into touch-screens but, schools are already spec’ing the product as a cheap way to turn anything in to a touch-screen. And, for $299, you can understand why.
The hitch? you have to use the built-in Android player (yes, the WAVE is like a giant Android tablet) so you can’t use your own computer. But, the Android App store (aka Google Play store) has over 2.2 million apps so that includes Skype, PowerPoint, Maps, Word, Excel, etc.
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: We run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
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Everything we publish is opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship publication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition is co-published with CEDIA, covering the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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