Volume 15, Issue 15 — August 2, 2017
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Editorial Editorial Editorial
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Unified Collaborative Conferencing Control & Signal Processing Audio Lighting Media Players, Recording & Distribution Unified Collaborative Conferencing
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Are You the Keymaster?
By Joel Rollins rAVe Columnist
In the original movie Ghostbusters, Rick Moranis (in his immortal role as Vince Tully, CPA) is taken over by an evil spirit from another dimension and transformed into the Keymaster, the minion who will enable Gozer the Gozerian to enter our plane of existence and destroy the world.
First, if you don’t understand that reference, your cultural literacy is in question. Stop reading this article now, and download the 1984 classic movie. (No, it is not necessary for you to do this to understand the point of this article, but you really should see it.)
But every time I see the scene (and I have probably seen Ghostbusters as many times as Gary Kayye has seen Star Wars), I remind myself that audiovisual technicians can easily become the Keymaster of Gozer with regard to our clients’ system security. And with today’s constant news about cyber attacks and data security disasters, I thought it would be a good topic for us all to talk about.
If one examines the greatest data security losses, one finds that they are rarely caused or perpetrated by senior management. Most of them come from lower level data technicians like Edward Snowden or Chelsea Manning, because no matter how secure a system is, you can’t actually hide data from the people who operate it, fix it or maintain it. These people do jobs most of their supervisors do not understand, and thus, once hired, are largely left to their own devices, with only random audits and accidents to reveal any issues.
AV and systems technicians have access to client systems at levels we rarely think about, but should. We often have access to servers for downloading company presentations and very often have access to company videoconferencing networks. And rental and staging technicians have a number of characteristics that would make them an especially vulnerable group to be exploited in a cyber attack.
First, they are largely mobile employees, as they must travel to customer events. This means that, unlike Manning, who should’ve been watched, they operate out of sight. They have to; it’s part of their job. What this means is that they travel with tablets, phones and laptops that have access in many instances to client data systems, and thus the theft of one of their laptops could prove to be a real danger to a client if that device is not properly protected. And, being a field technician myself in many instances, I know that the kind of safeguards one would like to see instituted on these machines can prove cumbersome to use in the field, especially in the high pressure atmosphere of the show.
Second, we often have to troubleshoot issues on site with the client accessing their systems. This has led, in many instances that I can recall, to me or one of my technicians being given very high level passwords in order to bypass layers of security and get a system up and running for show. And I can think of more than one instance where I have had to remind the client to deactivate that password afterwards and at least one instance where I discovered months later that it was still active.
Third, unlike most corporate machines, our employees often use each other’s computers to troubleshoot issues during a show, meaning that it is often difficult to tie an individual to a breach.
Lastly, most of the rental companies that I am aware of (whose employees travel) allow the employee to utilize their laptop and phone for personal use, meaning that they can install their own software and access routines on the machines. Only the largest rental companies that I know have corporate MIS departments to maintain these mobile computers, let alone security specialists.
Fortunately, however, our employees also tend to work in tight groups, who can watch out for each other and remind each other about security.
A few suggestions:
When setting up a company laptop, establish two separate accounts, one for company use and the other for employee personal use. Make sure that the company partition is part of some regular company-wide backup scheme when the unit is in the office. Any account which might contain customer data should be encrypted and a rotating password (a strong one) should be used.
Consider getting one of the better password protection software packages that are on the market, and issuing it to all employees. My staff are Macintosh users, and we settled on a password protection and encryption program called “1 Password” that not only encrypts all of the passwords on our machines, but deletes expired passwords using secure deletion and reminds you to change each password regularly. It makes that process painless by even suggesting strong passwords that it will remember for you. And you can unlock your password “keychain” with a single password that is not stored in open format on the machine. This keeps our employees from having to have notepads or text files full of logins and passwords. And it works for us because it is actually easier to use your computer, as you are not constantly looking up password information.
But the most important suggestion I have for you is awareness. Talk among your employees about the sensitivity of this kind of information and where they store it. The first time I did this, I discovered we had some unofficial practices that I was unaware of and scared me.
Data security is just like rigging security. If everybody is aware of it, you have less trouble with it.
So ask yourself: Are you the Keymaster? Leave a Comment
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A Bag of Money Just Fell Out of the Sky and Hit AVI-SPL and SKC on the Head
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
Earlier this week, we broke the news that Plantronics was entering the ProAV market with a new product called Habitat Soundscaping. It wasn’t a complete surprise as Plantronics is one of the worst companies I’ve ever seen at keeping secrets. I found out about the product five months before they called me out of the blue to “tell me” about their new concept for noise-canceling technology in large, open call-center-like office environments. Funny enough, they asked me to sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) to keep their secret.
Anyway, by the time we got to InfoComm (a full six weeks prior to the official launch), at least 30 people in the ProAV market asked me if I’d heard about what Plantronics was doing. Like I said, worst kept secret ever.
What is Habitat Soundscaping? The short version is that it’s sound masking using distributed audio WITHOUT white noise — it uses nature elements instead as well as visuals – like real waterfalls (or digital waterfalls). If you really want to understand it, go here and watch the video. But for now, just know it’s creative and could catch on due to a plethora of reasons that should worry companies like Lencore who just use old-fashioned white noise.
The reason so many people asked me about it at InfoComm is that it isn’t often a product this cool, this potentially profitable (to an AV integrator) and this weird comes to the AV channel. The lucky folks over at AVI-SPL and SKC are celebrating as they share exclusive distribution of the product pretty much all over North America and Europe.
AVI-SPL got the best deal of all as they basically own the world for the new Plantronics product line; they share the U.S. (with SKC) but own Canada, UK, Germany, France and Australia. AVI-SPL earned the golden ticket.
I know what you might be thinking: “Why? What’s the big deal? It’s just a sound masking system.”
Well, I’ll address the “it’s just a sound masking system” later, but for now, let me address the bag of money that just fell out of the sky and landed on the proverbial heads of every salesperson and account manager at AVI-SPL and SKC.
You see, it comes down to access. And, Plantronics just gave both integrators access to their most valuable asset: their clients and customers. Plantronics, in case you didn’t know, OWNS — not just plays in, but owns — the call-center and wireless (and wired) headset market for for, well, everyone. Just ask around. If you use a headset or talk to someone who uses a headset while on the phone, there’s an 82 percent chance that that it’s stamped with a Plantronics logo. As AVI-SPL and SKC are brought into the thousands of big-time customer account locations that are large enough for a waterfall-based sound masking system, then they’ll be making lots of friends with people who buy or who have influence in purchasing a bunch of AV gear. So, even if they don’t make the waterfall sale, they, as a byproduct of the Plantronics’ exclusive relationship, will be befriending a pile of potential AV money. Every call center has (or wants) digital signage. Every call center needs AV. Every company with a call center has training rooms. And what goes into training rooms? You got it: AV.
And, guess who also wears Plantronics headsets — not just Tom Cruise in Jerry McGuire (where the product dominated every camera close-up of the actor using one for the first eight minutes of the movie) but also everyone who works and hates holding office phones up to their ears — basically everyone. Especially C-suite execs.
Like I said, a bag of money just fell from the sky and hit both integrators on the top of the head.
And, no, this isn’t just another sound masking system. The technical details can be found in the link I mentioned earlier in this story — but this stuff won’t be sold due to technical specs (or details) so that crap doesn’t really matter. What matters is that Plantronics will tell all their big clients — you know the ones who’ve purchased million of dollars worth of headsets over the years — that they “need” this and that it will solve all their ambient noise problems in a way that’s creative. And, to be frank, it is. They even own a patent on something that’s simple but cool. For example, with the typical sound masking system, when you have an area where you’re having a private meeting you want to “mask out,” you turn up the level of the white noise so those around you can’t hear — but ironically that makes people talk louder to overcome the loudness of the sound masking. Plantronics has patented a fix to that. So, yes, it works. But if you think that’s the sales approach, you’re wrong. You see, Plantronics has a history or relationships with companies that love their stuff and trust what they say. And, they’ll eat this up. Heck, they might not even know they need sound masking, but because Plantronics tells them they they do, they’ll buy it. And, AVI-SPL and SKC will sell it to them.
Then they’ll sell them monitors, videowalls, AV training gear, AV-over-IP AV systems, projectors, lighting control systems, in-ceiling speakers, amplifiers, AV networks and the list goes on and on and on.
So, again, a bag of money just fell from the sky and hit AVI-SPL and SKC on the top of the head.
Or, I guess the entire sound masking systems market could be a hoax and no one buys it. But, I doubt it. Leave a Comment
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The Microsoft Surface Hub Is in Big Trouble
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
A few months back, I wrote a column: Will Microsoft Be Able to Continue to Rip People Off With Their Surface HUB?
Most of you agreed; some didn’t.
And now, four months after writing that piece, I still think it’s way, way, way overpriced for what you get.
But on the same week that Whitlock recently awarded Microsoft’s Surface Hub Partner of the Year, Microsoft announced the Surface Hub group was basically being disbanded and manufacturing moved to China. It looks like Microsoft figured out what we all already knew — it’s way too expensive.
So, they’re moving production to China and expect the next generation to be closer in price to the new Google Jamboard. Oh, and it’ll likely look a lot nicer, too.
But is it too little, too late?
The market for the collaboration board, as I like to call them, is now flooded with companies. I count 23.
And the latest contenders with quality competition to the Surface Hub, products like the NewLine TRUTOUCH VN Series, the Cisco Spark Board and the Jamboard itself are good. I mean really good. Each for different customers, though.
The Cisco Spark Board is a SLAM DUNK success. Anyone on the Spark platform would be nuts not to buy them and put them all over their business. Not just rooms, either. I mean literally all over.
The Jamboard is, well, Google. What better branding does it need? And the G Suite-integrated collaboration board is a perfect plug-and-play product for anyone who thinks all the collaboration they really need is Google Docs. That’s a lot of businesses and schools.
NewLine’s latest, the VN Series, is 4K, finally has a nice aesthetic and an OS on top of the Windows 10 interface that’s better than Windows.
But Microsoft is still a giant operating system. And, like Google, a lot of people still use and need simple collaborative applications. And, what’s built into Microsoft Windows 10 is enough for them.
That’s why Whitlock sells so many. But that was all prior to March 2017. Now, instead of having only three or four competitive products shipping selling against the Surface Hub, there are almost two dozen. And all but one of them is cheaper than the same-size version of the Microsoft-branded collaboration board line. And some are even better — take the latest version of the InFocus Mondopad, for example. InFocus, although a small company, has actually done a better job integrating the Microsoft OS than Microsoft itself.
For now, I’d advise Whitlock to find a good, solid second-source supplier of collaboration boards. That goes for you too. There are so many to choose from now! And it’s about the be a multi-billion-dollar market. Leave a Comment
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Plantronics Enters ProAV Market With Weirdest Product Ever — But It’s Profitable Plantronics today announced Habitat Soundscaping, an “intelligent acoustic management service” that helps transform distracting, dysfunctional, open office spaces into peaceful environments where people can focus, collaborate and thrive (think sound Masking using water and nature sounds instead of pink or white noise). The service uses nature-inspired audio and visuals, coupled with intelligent software to mitigate distractions due to speech -– the most common complaint employees have about their open workspaces. Habitat Soundscaping brings these natural elements into the workplace to create an immersive experience where people want to come to work and leaves them feeling energized.
Plantronics wants to sell this through the ProAV integration market.
The Habitat Soundscaping service incorporates biophilic science (a fancy term we had to look up), the innate tendency of humans to seek connections with nature, as an essential element of the solution. Studies show that workplaces with a connection to nature help improve mood, working memory and cognitive functioning. In fact, these studies concluded that workplaces with architectural elements that connect to nature have been proven to reduce worker absenteeism by 10 percent – creating the opportunity for significant productivity gains and a much happier workforce.
AVI-SPL is one of the channel partners working with Plantronics to offer this new service. There are others and at least one distributor.
Habitat Soundscaping is a completely new type of service that combines nature-inspired audio, immersive visuals and adaptive software to enable focused individual work and group collaboration to peacefully occur in the same open workplace. The service includes hardware and software and is comprised of the following three key pillars:
- Nature-inspired Audio – Intelligible speech is highly distracting for humans, who are hard-wired to pay attention to speech and fill in any missing pieces of conversation. Research has proven natural water sounds are the most effective means to reduce the impact of intelligible speech while also creating a comfortable, rejuvenating environment to work in. The Habitat Soundscaping service brings these natural water sounds to the open office creating a space that is highly functional and promotes overall wellbeing.
- Natural Scenes – The Habitat Soundscaping service uses a combination of natural audio and real waterfalls, or virtual displays of serene landscapes, to help reinvigorate the office. The visuals complement the nature-inspired audio to create a harmonious, multisensory experience. Research has also shown that bringing visual connections to nature into the office can improve cognitive functioning and mood of the people in that space.
- Intelligent Software – To reduce distraction, the service actively senses disruptive, intelligible speech and dynamically adjusts the natural sounds in the surrounding work zones in real time to help others stay focused without interrupting any collaboration. It even works at the subconscious level, acoustically incentivizing the right behavior, so that especially loud talkers are encouraged to keep their voices down. The system also automatically analyzes its performance to ensure it’s running optimally day-in and day- out.
The Habitat Soundscaping service is currently available in the U.S., the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and France.
Here’s more information. Here’s a video about Habitat SoundScaping. Leave a Comment
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Extron Intros New Scaling Presentation SwitchersExtron Electronics is introducing the IN1608 xi, the newest members of the Extron scaling presentation switcher family that offer several key enhancements. Added features include DTP output with HDBaseT compatibility, RS232 insertion from the Ethernet control ports and for IPCP models, an integrated three-port AV LAN switch. The IN1608 xi includes an HDCP-compliant, multi-format video switcher, an advanced scaling engine, integrated DTP signal extension, an available high performance mono or stereo amplifier and an available built-in IPCP Pro control processor for complete AV system control. Extron says the IN1608 xi simplifies system design and installation, and dramatically reduces total cost of ownership.
The IN1608 xi provides the convenience of supporting local and remote displays. The two DTP twisted pair inputs are compatible with a wide range of DTP transmitters for extending audio, video, and control signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a shielded CATx cable. The IN1608 xi can also remotely power each of the DTP transmitters over the same CATx cable, streamlining system design and installation. In addition, the IN1608 xi features an advanced scaling engine that can scale HDMI, RGB, component, and standard definition video signals to a common high resolution output. It provides 30-bit color processing to deliver optimal image quality, as well as motion-adaptive deinterlacing for input signals up to 1080i. With Extron technologies EDID Minder, Key Minder, and SpeedSwitch, integrators can easily connect sources and displays with plug-and-play simplicity, automatic device negotiation, and nearly instantaneous switching.
The IN1608 xi can serve as the central component for audio system integration. It includes eight-input audio switching, two mic/line inputs, HDMI audio embedding and de-embedding, and several audio processing features for mixing, ducking, tone adjustments, and more. IN1608 xi SA models feature a two-channel 50-watt Class D stereo power amplifier, while IN1608 xi MA models include a 100-watt Class D mono power amplifier.
For more information on the IN1608 xi, click here. Leave a Comment
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QSC Introduces Q-SYS Small-Format Touch Screen ControllerQSC just introduced the TSC-47W-G2, a color 4.7” in-wall touch screen dialer/controller. The new touch screen uses capacitive LCD touch with a 960×540 display and Power over Ethernet (PoE – IEEE 802.3af class 3 device) for a single-cable installation. The TSC-47W-G2 can operate in both portrait or landscape mode and can be mounted to US and European standard wall and junction boxes. It’s spec’d to have 400 nits brightness. As with all Q-SYS touch screens, you can create custom graphical user control interfaces (UCIs) for the TSC-47W-G2 directly within Q-SYS Designer Software. Drag-and-drop configuration allows integrators to provide end users a full range of controls, from complete systems control and monitoring to one-touch deployments of complex presets. Here are more details.Leave a Comment
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Key Digital Introduces Affordable Distribution Amplifiers With Support for UHD 4K60 4:4:4 SignalsKey Digital introduced today the KD-DA1x2, KD-DA1x4 and KD-DA1x8, three cost-effective distribution amplifiers that offer resolution support up to UHD 4K60 4:4:4. The KD-DA1x2, KD-DA1x4 and KD-DA1x8 provide one HDMI input to two, four or eight HDMI outputs, respectively. Key Digital says these distribution amplifiers were designed for a superior distribution system without signal degradation, offering the best in quality, performance and reliability while still remaining cost-effective
All three of these distribution amplifiers will support all SD, HD, VESA and Ultra HD/4K video standards including UHD/4K, 1080p/60, 1920×1200, 3D and support of HDCP 2.2 and HDR, with deep color support up to UHD/4K 30Hz 4:4:4/12 bits or 60Hz 4:4:4/8 bit.
With EDID Control, there is a built-in internal library with 15 EDID handshakes in addition to native EDID data of output/display one. The full buffer system manages TMDS re-clocking / signal re-generation, HDCP source and display authentication, Hot Plug Management and EDID Control handshake. Supported lossless compressed digital audio formats include Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos.
The specs for the KD-DA1x2 are here, for the KD-DA1x4 are here and KD-DA1x8 are here. Leave a Comment
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Datapath Fx4 Now Has 4K60 HDMI input
Datapath launched the Fx4 around InfoComm last month and now the multi-display controller supports 4K resolution at 60 fps (8-bit color) on the HDMI input. Added as part of the latest firmware upgrade, this new capability makes the Fx4 capable of handling 3840×2160 resolution signals.
Datapath says its Fx4 provides four outputs from a single box and they can be daisy-chained to build large video walls without any degradation in signal. With dual Ethernet port capability, only one Datapath Fx4 in the chain requires connection to the physical LAN as Ethernet loop-through is supported on the second port, meaning multiple devices can be connected.
The Fx4 also supports DisplayPort (DisplayPort1.2 or two HDMI 1.4 2160p at 60 outputs or equivalent up to 616 MP/s). It routes HDCP content on all inputs and outputs, and can be programmed and controlled independently of the platform through its network interface options (Ethernet or USB). Here are all the details.
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Gefen Ships EXT-UHD600A-44 4K 600 MHz 4×4 Matrix for HDMIGefen from Core Brands today announced they are already shipping their new EXT-UHD600A-44, a 600 MHz 4×4 HDMI matrix. Compatible with HDMI 2.0 signals (thus, 4K 60 Hz at 4:4:4 Chroma subsampling at 10 bit color) with HDR (High Dynamic Range) and HDCP 2.2 support.
Compatible with resolutions up to 4096×2160 at 60 frames per-second (fps) without subsampling color, the EXT-UHD600A-44 can downscale a 4K signal to 1080p and upscale HD signals to 4K.
Gefen says the EXT-UHD600A-44 includes an API that give the user access to data for both controlling and monitoring systems and it’s designed to work with the Gefen Syner-G software to simplify initial IP configuration and EDID Management. The EXT-UHD600A-44 also features Long Range Power (LRP) that eliminates the need for installers to use an external power supply when using a compatible extender to increase the matrix’s output beyond an HDMI cable’s limits. Finally, to address the use of streaming sources, it also includes two USB power ports.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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InFocus Intros Affordable Jupiter 1000 4K Wall Processor InFocus Corporation today announces its Jupiter Control 1000 Series, an entry-level range of 4K (3840×2160) display wall processors. Designed for smaller installations, Control 1000 processors come fully pre-configured as stand-alone display wall processors with hardware that can decode up to eight IP streams and support up to 10 direct video connections. InFocus Jupiter Control 1000 processors can be used as a stand-alone solution driving a single video wall or integrated into a fully networked enterprise solution that is managed by the Canvas platform, enabling robust collaboration between video walls, operators, ancillary displays and even mobile devices.
The Jupiter Control 1000 Series processors ship with Windows 10 and will run Windows applications directly on the processor. Capable of ingesting video and other visual information from any IP encoded source, direct video connection, or Windows 10 ready application, the Control 1000 also ships with the InFocus Jupiter Canvas 5.3 collaborative visualization software. Canvas 5.3 manages sources including live streams from network cameras and mobile devices, application screens from PCs, and real-time data feeds. Users can view, share, and annotate on the live feeds with remote colleagues working on a range of different devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptop, and desktop PCs, or in conference rooms equipped with InFocus CRS-4K endpoints.
The latest 4K video processor in the Jupiter product line, the Control 1000 is capable of decoding up to five non-HDCP 4K signals. It supports input signals with a 4K DVI input card that leverages a DVI-D dual-link connector. The Control 1000 Series video processors also support up to four non-HDCP 4K outputs on a single CPU chassis. Each 4K display has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels per mini DisplayPort interface and onboard software decoding can decode any IP stream up to 4K HD resolution.
The InFocus Jupiter Control 1000 is available now. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Ocean Matrix Intros Four Problem Solving AV Interfaces Ocean Matrix just released four new ProAV and HomeAV adapters including an audio extractor, an audio embedder, an Ethernet to fiber converter and an HDBaseT HDMI extender.
The OMX-HDMI2-AEE 4K HDMI 2.0 Audio Extractor and Embedder extracts audio signals from an HDMI source and allows simultaneous S/PDIF (Toslink) and stereo (3.5mm) analog and digital output. This device can also embed external stereo analog or digital S/PDIF into the outgoing HDMI signal.
The OMX-HDMI-BASET HDBaseT HDMI Extender supports sending 1080p HD signals with embedded audio up to 300 feet over a single Cat5e/6/6a/7 cable. The HDBaseT technology based extender transports signals via network cables for point-to-point and multiple-point connections.
The OMX-E2F 100Base-T Fast Ethernet to SC Fiber Converter transmits up to 12 miles over singlemode SC fiber and protects the signal from electromagnetic interference(EMI). This converter can also be used for fiber to UTP signal conversion.
The OMX-HDMI-EPOE Extender sends 1080p HDMI over CAT6/6A/7 cables up to 110 feet with (this is their claim) zero latency and includes EDID management and IR control. The system’s POE transmitter sends AV signals and power through the receiver to the display on a single cable.
Of course, you can see all their products here. Leave a Comment
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RTI Ships CX10 Countertop/Under-Cabinet Touchpanel RTI today announced that it has begun shipping its all-new CX10 touchpanel. Designed for both commercial and residential applications, the CX10 is a 10-inch, touch-capacitive 1280×800 LCD with an integrated HDBaseT input and stereo speakers. Easy to mount on a countertop or beneath a cabinet, the display has a tilt range from 10 to 90 degrees for the best viewing angle possible. Features include video intercom support and a built-in composite input to view video from security cameras and other devices and a proximity sensor automatically wakes the panel up.
For integrators, the CX10 supports wired 10/100 HDBaseT and wireless Ethernet for seamless setup, two-way control and feedback, and convenient programming updates. The unit is powered by a separate power supply or by Power over Ethernet Plus. The user interface can be customized to provide an intuitive control experience that meets the specific needs of any installation using RTI’s Integration Designer APEX software.
RTI’s CX10 touchpanel is now shipping worldwide. Here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Lightware Launches UBEXLightware’s latest is UBEX (Ultra Bandwidth Extender), an AV-over-IP extender that’s capable of sending 4K UHD@60Hz 4:4:4 (12-bit color) signal extension with the use of packet-based transmission. The video signals are handled fully uncompressed and transmitted (or receive – keep reading) over 20 Gbps or using minimal, visually lossless compression. UBEX can extend two full 4K signals simultaneously over two 10 Gbps fibers.
Standard, certificated 10 Gbps SFP+ optical modules are installed in the device, which are plug and play so they are interchangeable by the user. There could be either duplex multi-mode/single-mode modules (one fiber for each direction per 10 Gbps link) or bi-directional single-mode modules (one fiber for both directions per 10 Gbps link). The number of I/O ports in a UBEX based virtual matrix only depends on the size of the standard Ethernet switch used in the network.
The unit is designed to work as transmitter, receiver or transceiver and the change between these modes can be implemented by a firmware update. In transceiver mode, the device can transmit and receive 4K signals simultaneously. Ubex supports operating in daisy chain mode, making it especially suitable for large digital signage projects.
Ubex is capable of working in a strictly unidirectional system with low and high security levels as a data diode, assuring that every kind of data traffic is restricted to flow exclusively in one direction, from the ‘low’ side towards the ‘high’ side and never reversed. The maximum reachable extension distance with multi-mode modules (OM4) is 400 miles, with short range single-mode modules it is 10 kilometers, or with long range single-mode modules it can reach as far as 80 kilometers. The number of necessary fibers depends on the link speed and the optical module: for 10 Gbps one or two fibers, for 20 Gbps two or four fibers, for 40 Gbps four or eight fibers are needed. UBEX can work both in a traditional point-to-point application structure and can also operate as a virtual matrix network by using of a standard Ethernet switch as a virtual crosspoint. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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PreSonus Ships Quantum Thunderbolt Interface PreSonus is now shipping its Quantum Thunderbolt 2 interface. The 26 x 32-channel Quantum is the company’s fastest audio/MIDI interface, as it uses the Thunderbolt 2 bus and a direct-to-DAW signal path. Spec’d at 24-bit, 192 kHz converters with 120 dB of dynamic range and PreSonus’ recallable XMAX microphone preamps combine to deliver superb audio quality. For more I/O channels, you can stack up to 4 Quantum interfaces via Thunderbolt to create a monster 96 x 96 system.
The Quantum offers two combo mic/instrument/line inputs and six combo mic/line inputs, each with a digitally controlled XMAX preamp and +48V phantom power. You also get two ¼” TRS main outputs, the aforementioned eight ¼” TRS line outputs, and two independent headphone outs with dedicated volume controls. With ADAT Optical I/O and S/PDIF stereo digital I/O, you can have up to 18 additional digital inputs and outputs for a total of 26 in and 32 out. BNC word clock I/O ensures your Quantum and other digital audio devices operate in tight sync; and MIDI.
Designed to be the central hub for any recording studio, the Quantum offers two main and eight auxiliary balanced line-level outputs that are great for monitor mixing. An onboard talkback mic can be routed to any mix, and you can listen to any mix from either of two headphone amps. You also get Mute/Dim and Mono controls.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Audio-Technica Ships New AT5047 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Audio-Technica is now shipping its new AT5047 Cardioid Condenser Microphone. An addition to the company’s 50 Series (which also includes the AT5040 vocal microphone and AT5045 instrument mic), the AT5047 is a studio microphone that features the same capsule as the AT5040 but with a transformer-coupled output and optimized electronics. It’s equipped with a transformer-coupled output, so the microphone maintains a constant load output impedance, even when capturing sources at extreme SPL.
The AT5047 features four rectangular two-micron-thick diaphragms, which function together to provide a combined surface area twice that of a standard one-inch circular diaphragm. Advanced internal shock mounting decouples the capsule from the microphone body, and the included advanced-design AT8480 shock mount provides superior isolation.
Other AT5047 specifications include:
- Element: Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency response: 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Open circuit sensitivity: -29 dB (35.5 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
- Impedance: 150 ohms
- Maximum input sound level: 148 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1 percent T.H.D.
- Noise: 6 dB SPL
- Dynamic range (typical): 142 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 88 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
- Phantom power requirements: 48V DC, 2.7 mA typical
- Weight: 592 g (20.9 oz)
- Dimensions: 165.3 mm (6.51”) long, 57.0 mm (2.24”) maximum body diameter
- Output connector: Integral three-pin XLRM-type
- Accessories furnished: AT8480 shock mount for 5/8″-27 threaded stands; 3/8″ to 5/8″ stand adapter; protective carrying case
The AT5047 is shipping for $3,499. Here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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New Quad Wireless Receiver from AmpliVox Controls Up to Four MicrophonesAmpliVox Sound Systems has introduced a new microphone receiver system to manage up to four wireless microphones from a rack-sized unit.
The S9190 Quad Wireless Microphone Receiver System can be rack mounted for permanent applications or the used for rental or traveling applications. The 2RU roto-molded chassis houses four independent receivers that can be used simultaneously, each with 16 UHF channels of selectivity, audio and RF indicators, volume control and a balanced XLR connector with summed output.
The S9190 systems pairs with AmpliVox’s S1695 Wireless Handheld Mic or S1693 Wireless Headset and Lapel Mic Kits. The Quad Receiver can also be paired with the AmpliVox SW915 Digital Audio Travel Partner PA to connect up to seven wireless mics at once.
The receiver offers a range of 300 feet and is aimed at schools, universities, restaurants, bars, hotel conference rooms, convention halls, corporate boardrooms, churches and more.
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Galaxy’s Launches TQ8 Portable All-In-One PAGalaxy’s new TQ8 is a spec’d as a 150-watt portable PA with mixing, wireless and a long battery life. With an 8-inch woofer and a wide-dispersion HF horn with 1-inch compression driver. Two wired mic/line inputs complement a music system with an SD card slot, USB connector, left/right audio connections and Bluetooth compatibility for use with a phone or iPod source. One or two optional wireless mic receivers work with Galaxy’s hand-held or body-pack wireless microphones and expand the TQ8’s applications while eliminating mic cable issues. The TQ8’s operation makes it easy to mix and control all of these sources with individual and master volume and 3-band equalization to optimize sound quality and voice clarity. A useful voice priority feature (with on/off switch) automatically ducks the music source when someone speaks into any microphone. The TQ8 is light weight and portable with a carrying handle and may be AC powered or operated from its internal battery for up to 24 hours of continuous use. A standard pole socket allows stand mounting for larger groups.
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Larson Intros Low-Profile LED CanopyLarson Electronics announced the release of a new low profile LED canopy light (LEDCPL-LP-500-MS-WCM). This quick mount LED features a compact microwave motion/occupancy sensor.
This low profile LED canopy light assembly consists of an integrated LED assembly paired with a polycarbonate lens to produce a wide light distribution suitable for replacing 250 watt metal halide flood lights. This quick mount canopy also features a two-piece housing that is constructed of die-cast aluminum alloy with an injected molded rubber gasket resembling that of traditional style canopy light fixtures. This housing allows for quick installation and future servicing, and the aluminum design helps with heat dissipation and increases LED longevity. This LED has been specifically designed to withstand demanding conditions and is IP65 waterproof for protection against rigorous outdoor environments. A microwave motion/occupancy sensor is available for automating operation and reducing energy consumption during periods of low activity. This fixture can be used indoors or outdoors, as well as in confined spaces without heat buildup.
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Matrox Adds Native Facebook Live and YouTube Live Support to Monarch Encoders Matrox Video today announced a major update to the Matrox Monarch HD and Monarch HDX professional streaming and recording encoders, adding native support for two live video streaming platforms, Facebook Live and YouTube Live.
By simply copying a unique Facebook or YouTube access token from the Monarch’s powerful Command Centre control software and pasting it into their respective Facebook or YouTube account(s), users can now stream directly to their followers with the click of a mouse or push of a button.
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Osprey Video Announces Talon G2 Encoder to Stream to Up to Three Destinations SimultaneouslyOsprey Video today announced an extension of its Talon hardware encoder line with the launch of the Talon G2. Like other Talon encoders, the Talon G2 creates live RTMP streams for unmanaged networks such as the internet.
Designed for A/V and broadcast customers looking for end-to-end video-streaming tools for professional workflows, the Talon G2 ingests video from multiple formats, encodes it to H.264 and delivers it over IP. One of the Talon G2’s most important characteristics is its front-facing LCD touch screen, which offers one-touch streaming control. Once the streaming profiles are set up on the back end, which can be done remotely if needed, any user can start or stop encoding operations at the touch of a button. Furthermore, the screen displays continuous feedback on the status of all encoders, so users always know which ones are active versus idle.
Another aspect of the Talon G2 is API-level integrations with both Facebook Live and the Wowza Streaming Cloud streaming service. These integrations, along with one-touch streaming control, bring simplicity and time savings to a process that could otherwise be very cumbersome. For example, streaming to Facebook is a daily practice for many operations, yet Facebook users must configure a new session every time they want to deliver a stream. Osprey Video worked with Facebook on an exclusive interface that makes it possible to configure the Talon G2 for Facebook streaming only once instead of daily. Once configured, users simply press a button. Furthermore, built-in security features make it so that authorized users can start streaming to anyone’s Facebook page (such as a company’s or an executive’s) without needing login credentials, saving even more time while alleviating security concerns over password-sharing.
The Talon G2 encoder ingests video from 3G HD-SDI, HDMI, and composite sources and streams it via RTMP, RTP, or UDP to multiple destinations over IP. Importantly, the Talon G2 can encode and stream to three destinations simultaneously and save to a .TS file, with frame alignment across all streams for multiple-bit-rate streaming.
The Talon G2 encoder is $1,890 and the Talon G1 is $1,690 – both are here. Leave a Comment
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InFocus Partners With MultiTaction for Collaboration Software and Hardware Solution InFocus Corporation today announced that its BigTouch interactive PC displays have been selected by MultiTaction to offer customers a single, large-screen, hardware and software solution for visual collaboration.
The InFocus BigTouch combines the same functionality as an iPad or tablet but uses Windows 10 Pro PC in a giant capacitive touch screen. The on-board Windows PC has Intel Core i7 processing and solid-state hardware and BigTouch is available in 57-inch and 65-inch with 1080p or 70-inch and 85-inch in native 4K (3840×2160) resolution.
MultiTaction, which will do enterprise demos and seeding with InFocus hardware, offers its MT Canvus collaboration software. Canvus is unique in the way that it helps visualize big data and encourages collaborative working. It enables multiple sources such as video feeds, web-based applications and content from smart devices to run in parallel and remote users can share, manipulate, draw and input information in real-time wherever they are based.
Both the InFocus BigTouch displays as well as MultiTaction Canvus and Canvus Connect are available now and all the details are here. If you want more information on the MultiTaction Canvus, go here. Leave a Comment
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Pexip Infinity Fusion Becomes Certified for Microsoft SkypePexip announced its Infinity Fusion product was certified by Microsoft as a video interoperability solution for Skype for Business Server today. Pexip Infinity Fusion allows Skype for Business meetings and calls to be joined by non-Skype users using video teleconferencing.
Pexip collaborated with Microsoft in the certification of the latest version of Infinity Fusion, which features a gateway mode allowing VTCs to participate directly in Skype conferences. Fusion retains the native end-user experience, eliminating the need for expensive trainings and lowering the cost of implementation and management. The software is designed for any size organization, and specifically with large companies and enterprises in mind, and is able to scale and accommodate any number of users in any number of locations. Pexip Infinity Fusion is certified for on-premises Skype for Business Server 2015 deployments.
Pexip Infinity Fusion addresses very specific needs for many Microsoft customers. Beyond the core Skype for Business interoperability that the certification tests, Fusion has a variety of deployment options, which allow it to scale to a large range of users and locations. It can be deployed to run completely on-premises, in a cloud such as Microsoft Azure or in a combination of the two.
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Oblong Introduces Mezzanine 200 ‘In a Box’ Solution Oblong Industries has released its Mezzanine 200 Series visual collaboration solution with a new Partner Kit. This ‘Mezzanine 200 in a box’ Partner Kit is designed to be a packaged solution for huddle rooms.
The Mezzanine 200 Series offers the a platform for global team collaboration in these smaller connected spaces. From a technical standpoint, this solution services a simple, dual-screen configuration, making it easy to deploy. It complements a wide choice of display screens, VTC codecs, and other hardware peripherals offered by partners to provide full room solutions to their preferred customers. But, what really makes Mezzanine 200 different is the bezel-mounted infrared gesture-tracking system, which provides a natural interface option with multiple simultaneous content streams: Just point the remote wand device at content on the screens to highlight, snapshot, move and scale important information on the fly.
The wand is just one of the interface options for Mezzanine, as laptops, smart phones and tablet devices also have equal access to control the workspace, wirelessly. Mezzanine 200 can be installed and fully operable within a day.
With a significantly lower price point than the brand’s 600 Series, the 200 is Oblong’s most affordable solution to date, while still having the same user experience including concurrent viewing of up to ten shared devices, gestural interaction, and real-time control by multiple participants.
Touch annotation on the Mezzanine 200 Series means it allows annotation over multiple streams simultaneously. Collaborators can annotate over graphics or live video, including live video feeds of analog whiteboards in other locations. Snapshot the annotated content instantly to create a new asset and deliver it directly into the workspace portfolio for later reference and download.
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