Volume 15, Issue 19.2 — October 11, 2017
|
Editorial Editorial Editorial
|
|
Industry News Displays Audio Control & Signal Processing Projection Staging & Live Events Cables, Cases, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens & Accessories
|
|
|
Digital Signage Predictions for 2018
By Ken Goldberg CEO, RealDigital Media
As I begin to write this, the sun is re-appearing after a once in a lifetime event. No, not display vendors agreeing upon a standard for RS232, but a total eclipse of the sun. Even though I have written exactly one post on by blog since last year’s prediction post, traditions die hard. The tradition here is a touchdown and an extra point worth of predictions as the football season kicks off. That’s seven for those of you who think football is played with a round ball. We do it now to get a jump on the usual year-end predictions, which tend to get as much attention as leftover giblet stuffing.
Another tradition is to own the previous year’s predictions, which generally falls somewhere between eating humble pie and establishing spotless credibility. Let’s have a look at how things panned out this year.
1. Solutions Overtake Products
I pointed out that it takes more than devices and software to effectively operate a digital signage network, and that vendors offering full solutions would eventually crowd out those pitching the next big thing. I believe this trend has indeed begun. RFPs seem to always include services, integrated technologies and a preference for one throat to choke. Few, if any decisions hinge on display technologies, and nearly none hinge on media players. Software platforms are generally differentiated at some level either by price, function, architecture or focus, but they no longer exist in a vacuum. As further evidence, there is more activity than ever of hardware vendors trying to align with software and services vendors to work together. Score this one a hit.
2. Consolidation Continues
Another hit… OK, I had an edge on this one, as our company was already in talks to be acquired by STRATACACHE when I wrote it. That tap-in putt notwithstanding, the wave of deals in the vendor and network spaces has continued across the globe. This is how marketplaces work and it is healthy. On the flip side of the M&A activity is the slow march towards death of others who have hung in there. As some drop out, we move toward a more sustainable ecosystem. There’s more to come.
3. Android is Dead, Long Live Android!
No question that this one proved prophetic. The marketplace has gone from Android zealotry to strong preference and has now receded to, “Will it work for me?” The zealotry was driven by opportunistic vendors who trumpeted a game changer without knowledge of how it would work at scale and in league with a trade press eager to fill columns with unsubstantiated puff pieces. The challenges posed by lack of hardware reliability, OS version variability and device management issues drove cost of ownership higher not lower. And as predicted, Intel has responded with lower cost, reliable x86 products such as Cherry Trail that have closed the gap. Android won’t die, but it will be forced into niches.
4. Display Manufacturers Can’t Suppress Their Desire to “Go Wide”
Yes, many display manufacturers continue to push their own software and hosting solutions either in stealth mode (a/k/a screwing partners with plausible deniability) or quite openly in order to try to increase their footprint on deals of scale. Their challenge has been trying to convince people who know better that their proprietary OS, rudimentary software and no-way-out commitments are a good idea. It will never work out, but we are talking about a very stubborn bunch. I thought we’d see a display company buy a software platform to market around, but that did not happen. Nevertheless, I score this as a hit.
5. Standards Come to Programmatic
I suggested that the struggle to bring programmatic tools similar to long-established online versions to digital signage would continue, with some solutions breaking through, driven by widespread adoption of standards and best practices. The first part is certainly true, led by the emergence of Vistar as a potential powerhouse, but driven more by its own evolution than by industry adoption of standards. It feels like this space will have room for a few players, but it seems clear that standards will become important so that buyers can work across multiple platforms with familiar terms of art, metrics and processes. I still believe the DSF’s new Global DOOH Council will help get us there. I will call this a miss.
6. The Battle Goes Outdoors
I suggested that the battle of the drive-thru was on, and that at least two major users would place their bets on solutions during the year. Despite a huge amount of activity, evolving enclosure designs and dozens of parallel tests, those bets have not yet been placed. So this is a miss, largely due to timing as in the programmatic prediction, but a miss nonetheless. Keep watching the outdoor space. There is too much business driving through those lanes to not invest!
7. Mobile Integration Starts to Make More Sense
I suggested that this would be the year that digital signage would find ways to embrace mobile that works for end users. Without doubt, mobile has continued to be the predominant element of overall digital strategies. There have been good examples of mobile integration with digital signage, but that bridge to make it a seamless and persistent part of the experience still seems to be lacking. We will get there, and I continue to clutch my NFC pearls. But the scorekeeper says it’s a miss. Note: Between the first draft of this piece and the final, STRATACACHE (parent company of RDM) announced the acquisition of Walkbase. It is a mobile-DOOH game changer in every way, and makes my miss on this prediction a near miss based on timing. More on Walkbase another time!
In summary, four hits, two misses and a near miss if you cut me slack on number 7. That is better than last year, so I feel a lot of pressure to improve once again. Here we go… strap on your VR goggles and fly into the Grand Canyon of guesswork with me:
1. The Checkbooks Are Out: Different Targets
This year’s version of the consolidation prediction goes something like this: I believe that there is still plenty of money on the sidelines getting very, very interested in the DOOH and digital signage space. I think very little of any VC/PE money will find its way into the vendor space, although one can expect a few M&A deals. However, my guess is that there is renewed interest in network properties that lend themselves to scale and the ability to leverage emerging technologies for targeting ads. The Outcome Health deal is the poster child for this, and it won’t be the last such deal.
2. Interactivity Sparks More Interest Than Video Walls
This is not to say that video walls are dead…. far from it. But it says here that buyers see greater benefits from interactivity in more places than from iconic deployments in fewer places. Interactivity itself has taken on meaning beyond traditional touch. Gesture, AR, VR and mobile-based interactivity are all in play. In the end, interactivity and large-scale walls serve different purposes and create engagement in very different ways. Look for more interactive deployments in the coming year.
3. So Niche To See You
As our industry (gulp) matures and success stories from all corners of the space become more well publicized, it seems clear that most vendors and networks will run toward defensible niches that offer growth opportunities. It becomes harder to sell product into verticals without vertical expertise to build credibility and confidence. From the network side, it becomes harder to raise money or sell advertising without a good amount of evidence that the market being addressed can be segmented and targeted. Look for increased movement toward specialization and niches from companies large and small.
4. Industry Events Start to Evolve
In line with the concept outlined in #3 above, it makes sense that both buyers and sellers look harder at how they invest their time and money in industry trade shows. There is still a huge need for education of people and companies new to the space (and there are many). Several conferences, notably DSE and InfoComm, do a fine job on that. Yet there is also a great need for matching (educated) buyers with (qualified) sellers and trade show floors are not meeting those needs. Quasi-events like NYDSW, coming up on Halloween, have less educational value, but greater ability to have buyers and sellers self-select by interest and focus. Finally, vertical shows such as NRF, NACS, NRA, FMI, HIMSS and the like need to do a better job of embracing OOH technologies as their members gain interest. The prediction here is that event mangers will take a long look at programming and how they manage their show floors in order to remain relevant to both attendees and exhibitors, both of whom will likely be budget conscious in the coming years.
5. Beacons and AVA Assume their Proper Roles: Measurement & Triggering
I’ve written on the fallacy of beacons as a push technology in the past. Not much has happened to change my position on that. Yet they are not useless. They do a great job of collecting data from mobile device pings and that can be used by savvy software to measure traffic and even engagement. You will hear less about the silly push schemes and more about big data from little beacons. Anonymous Video Analytics (AVA) burst on the scene years ago as a way to prove the value of advertising CPM rates. As time has passed, AVA has begun to be more valued for measuring engagement, identifying demographic trends and perhaps most importantly, driving relevant content to screens via triggers. Relevancy is the most important aspect of content if one is hoping to engage and the ability to increase relevancy based on what you know about viewers is very valuable. Tools will evolve to meet the needs of network owners AND viewers.
6. People Start To Worry About Leadership
You may have noticed I gulped when I mentioned a maturing industry in prediction #3 above. Digital signage has shown many of the characteristics of a maturing industry: attention from consulting firms, large-scale investment of private money, a strong industry advocate and association and ongoing innovation. Yet where we are lacking is the development of new (read: young) talent that will become the next generation of leaders in the space. A customer recently asked me to come up with some names for an executive position with some pretty strict guidelines. It was not easy. The pioneers of this industry are not getting younger and we need smart, entrepreneurial men and women to step in and step up. We need the current leadership crowd to take mentoring seriously. We need to create jobs to attract leaders. If you aren’t worried about this, you ought to be. My guess (and hope) is that many people and organizations will take action on this in the coming year.
7. International Efforts will Start to Bear Fruit
It has often been noted that there are many lessons to be learned by sharing ideas, technologies, lessons and pain across international borders. To be sure, the challenges in India are different than those in Mexico, but the manner is which challenges are met are very instructional. So much more than cricket and rugby happens in the geographically isolated technology test beds of New Zealand and Australia that many Yanks would benefit from understanding their insights. International efforts, such as the Digital Signage Federation’s Global Digital Out-of-Home Council, with North American and European groups sharing ideas and information will be a vanguard of advancing best practices and standards across borders. There will of course be other vehicles for such sharing at trade shows, conferences, and various communications vehicles. As companies from all ends of the marketplace examine how others have succeeded in very different environments, it will make them better, faster and stronger. Next year should see increased activity on that front.
That’s it for this year. Business and the creative process are such that we’ve seen a total eclipse, two major hurricanes and two Kardashian pregnancies since I started this post. I hope the next post takes less time. Please feel free to provide feedback and your own predictions in the comments section.
This column was reprinted with permission from Ken Goldberg and originally appeared here. Ken Goldberg is CEO of RealDigital Media, a STRATACACHE company. Ken is a frequent writer and speaker on industry topics, and is a past chair of the Digital Signage Federation. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
|
A Thoughtful Approach to Active Learning
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
Active learning has been on the rise in American college classrooms over the past several years. In general, active learning usually takes place in a classroom that is designed for more group work and discussion and less lecturing from the front of the room. There are dozens of varieties of active learning, and most furniture and AV manufacturers have been trying to get into the growing market.
At Bates College, we have carefully approached active learning. Over the past few years, we have had guest speakers from other colleges who practice active learning, we have had consultants come in a look at space and (most importantly) we have had faculty who have told us what they are looking for in an active classroom. Last winter several of us participated in writing a grant to renovate a classroom and make it an active learning space. Fortunately, we were awarded the grant and over the summer the room was completed.
I will get to the technology in the room in a moment, but first I think it is important to recognize how we approached the design of the room, and how faculty were assigned to teach in it. The room we renovated was a tiered classroom, that sat about 40 students. Due to the size of the room, the fact that it had no external walls and that it was tiered made it rather unpopular with instructors. This was key to choosing a room. We did not want to take a room that people felt was already functioning well and force a re-design. Our second decision was that faculty would not be randomly assigned to the room, but rather, they would have to request it. This would allow us to design a room that was really different and no one would be forced to adapt to it. Rather, faculty would WANT to adapt to it. This is an important key for any integrators or designers who are putting together active classrooms. Make sure you understand how the institution is going to use the room. Make sure you know how the faculty intend on using the room. Design your space from that knowledge, rather than from what you did in the last install, or what may be the most profitable for you.
Our room has a significant amount of technology in it, as many active classrooms do. Our designer (our own Senior AV Analyst Ben Lizzotte) was very careful not to make the room ABOUT technology. The technology is there to enhance what is happening in the room, not to dictate what happens in the room. The room has six televisions to pair up with the six octagonal tables in the room. In our rack are six corresponding Kramer VIA devices. Students are able to connect to the VIA’s with any device they chose and project that content onto any, or all, of the monitors. The classroom lectern houses a Crestron touchpanel that also doubles as the computer monitor. The computer is located in the rack, so that the lectern can maintain its small size. Over the podium is a ceiling mounted document camera. There are two cameras in the room, one for web conferencing and another for classroom capture. Finally, several microphones are in the ceiling to tie in with the previously mentioned uses. One sticking point in our initial discussions about the room was whether there would be a projector. Several felt that a projector would cause instructors to fall back to the “front of the room” lecture. However, after listening to our faculty, it was clear that there are times that a front to the room is needed. This may be to watch a video clip or to watch presentations from students.
Due to the very flexible technology design the room can be used any way a faculty member, or other users choose. The only technology that sits on the floor of the classroom is the small lectern. This can be easily moved by disconnecting a couple of CAT5 cables and a power cord. This is important for our users, because too often we have seen rooms designed to be flexible. Unfortunately, this “flexibility” often takes several minutes in order to achieve and may not work. That is, we can not expect faculty or students to spend 10 minutes at the beginning of any class, rearranging the room, moving portable walls, or rolling technology in or out of the room.
In the first several weeks of the use of the room, the feedback has been excellent. Because the work was paid for with a grant, we have been purposeful in collecting data from faculty and students about the room. Interestingly, some of the students were initially apprehensive about the room. This was the first time for them to walk into a space that did not look like your typical lecture or seminar room. It took some time to understand that they had an active role in this setting. The faculty were very interested in exploring how to use the room and technology. One interesting thing that we noted immediately is that the students preferred using the monitors near their table, over the central projector, when they needed to view common information.
Data collection is an area where integrators and designers could also assist and provide services. Even if installs are not grant funded, schools are using data more than ever. Being able to understand what students and faculty thought of the spaces, along with how and if the room improved learning, is a critical piece of knowing whether to install more rooms to allow for active learning. This is where the integrators could provide value, after having been involved in several other installations. A well vetted data collection method would help us understand how the room compares to what other schools have done.
Through the process we learned the valuable lesson that moving carefully and thoughtfully can produce an excellent result. Most importantly, listening to the people who will use the space, before design, during design and after installation is critical to fulfilling their desires for the space. Listening to what others have done is also important, but you need to design for the cultures and uniqueness of your institution. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Using Video and the Internet of Things to Lead Remote Teams
By Chip Manning VDO360
Videoconferencing is not new, but recent technological advancements—including mobile videoconferencing and telepresence—have led to more widespread use. On the other hand, the Internet of Things (IoT) is a relatively new idea, one with implications across a wide variety of industries and aspects of business.
When the two technologies—videoconferencing and the IoT—come together, business managers will discover new, more efficient ways to bring teams together across far geographical distances, and to manage remote workers more effectively, while gaining the luxury of working remotely themselves, too.
This flexibility and mobility of both workers and managers has become a necessity for many growing organizations in the modern business world. Fortunately, the technology tools are availability to make it happen.
Leading via Video
Videoconferencing has proven to be one of the most effective tools to manage teams remotely. Videoconferencing provides a number of well-documented benefits over email, texting, and even voice-only phone calls—especially when it comes to meetings with a large number of participants.
Nonverbal communication is important for conveying mood and intent, and only videoconferencing or telepresence can bring this element into remote meetings. Additionally, being on camera helps keep remote meeting participants fully engaged. Videoconferencing also makes meeting more efficient. With the right system, it permits screen-sharing, slide-sharing, and the ability to collaborate on written documents or spreadsheets remotely, in real-time.
Videoconferencing—and its more robust cousin, telepresence—lends itself well to the key tenets of managing teams more so than any other form of remote communication available today.
Some of the most important parts of managing teams – remotely or locally – are:
- Communicating daily. A manager should at least touch base every day with key members of his or her team. This gives the team members the opportunity to give and receive feedback, receive praise to stay motivated and inspired, brainstorm new directions or ideas, and generally stay on the same page regarding a project or initiative.
- Building rapport. Building a professional rapport with team members helps managers keep employees happy and successful as individuals and as part of the team.
- Talking one-on-one. Dedicating time to talk to each member of the team helps the manager build rapport, share information, and hear concerns.
- Being available. Managers need to be available to their team members. If team members cannot reach the manager at a critical juncture, work may stop until the manager brings employees into the loop.
These aspects of team management can be incredibly difficult for managers working off-site or managers who have team members working remotely. However, videoconferencing helps managers overcome these difficulties, opening lines of communication between team members and managers.
Combined with the Internet of Things, which allows connectivity between mobile videoconferencing devices, on-site meeting rooms, technology tools that enhance meetings (such as document cameras or electronic whiteboards), and company databases, today’s videoconferencing solutions can enhance efficiency, productivity and even human-to-human interaction like never before.
Managing with the Internet of Things
The IoT refers to the increasing number of devices capable of sharing information with one another. These devices can send location information, usage statistics, sensory data, on/off status, settings, and more. A manager no longer needs to be physically present to control or discuss presentations or access data. A manager on the road, for instance, can be working from a hotel room with Wi-Fi and stream information onto an electronic whiteboard or presentation screen in the company’s boardroom for on-site attendees, while the same images appear on the screens—desktop or mobile—of other remote participants, as well.
Newer, voice-activated Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that connects to the IoT allows managers and employees to look up information by asking a voice-activated device a question and receiving an answer immediately, preserving the flow of the meeting. If you’ve ever paused in a presentation to look up a fact on the internet or search for a file, it’s easy to see how convenient this technology can be. We are approaching the day where—much like the captain on the bridge of the starship Enterprise—managers can address an AI device verbally and receive an instant answer regarding nearly anything in the Universe.
Businesses also use IoT technology to track movement within the business place for scheduling, energy management, and cost savings. Sensors can detect the presence of people in a meeting room, and a display screen outside the door can let other employees know a meeting is going on. The information can also be sent to a scheduling app so employees can look up meeting times and locations. A remote manager waiting to dial into a videoconference can receive a notification when attendees start showing up, improving efficiency.
Sensors may also detect that lights, HVAC systems or audiovisual equipment is still running in an empty room and can remotely power it down to conserve energy, save money and prolong equipment life.
Other Technologies for Remote Team Management
In addition to videoconferencing and the IoT, a host of other technologies makes it easier for managers and employees to access information from anywhere at any time.
Many businesses have already adopted cloud computing to some degree. Using the cloud, managers and team members can easily access the same information and applications regardless of physical location. Managers can use the cloud to easily set up and distribute tasks, set up new software for the team, keep track of employee time and schedules, and more.
Mobile apps also help managers and employees manage increasing flexible work schedules and telecommuters. Apps can send notifications to a desktop workstation or any mobile device, so an employee can receive the notification—and respond in a timely manner—even if they aren’t at the desk.
Videoconferencing, mobile apps, cloud computing, AI, and the IoT are fantastic tools for remote team management. As we approach the reality of a fully mobile, flexible workforce, smart managers will adopt technology that not only enables them to manage their teams from a distance, but to manage technology from anywhere, too. Managers will reap the rewards of a more engaged workforce, a better work/life balance, and the ability to work from anywhere, themselves, while effectively managing employees across town or across the world.
This column was reprinted with permission from Chip Manning and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
|
AV Over IP Sales Up Over 130 in 2017AV over IP is poised to eventually revolutionize the low-latency Pro AV market, according to a newly-released industry report from Futuresource Consulting. Moving from a position of relative obscurity, AV over IP encoder/decoder ports will enjoy a year-on-year increase of over 130 percent.
AV over IP describes the distribution of video over an IP network within an enterprise, hospital or campus at low latencies. Traditionally, the distribution of video from multiple sources to multiple endpoints such as displays, projectors and monitors has required a matrix switcher; a large and costly piece of hardware.
Although we agree with most of what Futuresource is saying here below, we believe it will be a slower transition to acceptance. And, until both Extron and Crestron have a complete line of AV-over-IP products, most of the ProAV integration community will go slowly adopting this new way of signal routing. Don’t underestimate this impact. But, once you see both of those companies out with a FAMILY or products — not just one line — then you’ll see rapid adoption. “This is a game changer for the industry and its impact cannot be overstated,” says Anthony Brennan, research analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “We’re seeing the beginnings of a trend that will shake up the industry, with our forecasts pointing to a volume CAGR of nearly 50 percent during the next five years. Make no mistake, AV over IP will transform the way the Pro AV market interacts with and controls AV systems.” Until recently, AV over IP solutions were considered unrealistic in low-latency Pro AV applications, but they are now competing directly with established technologies and forcing the global matrix switcher market into a period of decline. “The matrix switcher market is well established,” says Brennan, “and with high barriers to entry it has been monopolized by a handful of large companies. The low barriers associated with AV over IP are allowing smaller companies to compete directly with these large enterprises, merging the worlds of IT and AV, placing software solutions at the heart of the AV industry and fostering innovation and competition. For savvy vendors equipped with the right market information, the scale of the opportunity is enormous.” From signal distribution brands to IT software and infrastructure players and the wider Pro AV community, the effects of this transition are far-reaching. Furthermore, the threat to established vendors is being amplified by their investments in AV over IP. “The major signal distribution and control players have tough decisions to make,” adds Brennan. “They must risk cannibalizing their own core businesses by wholesale investment in AV over IP or fall by the wayside as the new Pro AV land grab takes hold.” Futuresource expects AV over IP solutions to see rapid adoption across most industry verticals, including corporate, education, government, and leisure and hospitality with varying adoption levels in healthcare and residential markets. Short-term, entertainment and higher education applications are forecast to see the highest levels of penetration. “We’re hearing from vendors that their conversations with users have shifted to the benefits of individual products and competitive advantage,” comments Brennan. “They no longer need to convince users that IP technology is a viable option for low latency signal distribution. This represents a significant shift in mindset for the wider AV world. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
Last Change for Early Bird Registration for AVIXA’s AVEC ConferenceAV insiders only have until this Friday (October 13th) to save $500 off the AV Executive Conference (AVEC), taking place Nov. 8-10 at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami.
AVEC gathers 150 executives and strategists from top pro-AV integration firms, together with authorities on management and business development, for a dynamic conference experience. At AVEC, attendees will be fully engaged in discussions and workshops so that they walk away with not just the inspiration to drive profit at their organizations, but a tactical plan to make growth a reality. They will get guidance from the experts on specific business challenges, build bonds with your industry peers and forge relationships with potential partners.
Keynote speakers are Marchi Rossell, chief economist for CNBC, and Daymond John, founder/CEO of FUBU and star of ABC’s Shark Tank. See the complete program here.
But you only have until Friday to get the early bird price. Register today. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
AVI-SPL Acquires Sharp’s Audio Visual in Canada AVI-SPL today announced the acquisition of Canadian integration firm Sharp’s Audio Visual (aka: Sharp’s), becoming the first national provider of AV and collaboration technology solutions in Canada. With the addition of Sharp’s to its existing operation in Canada, AVI-SPL will significantly enhance and expand its ability to design, build, manage, and support collaboration technology deployments for organizations throughout Canada and around the world.
Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Sharp’s has eight locations across six provinces in Canada. Founded in 1923, the company is a trusted technology solutions partner for many of today’s most recognizable organizations worldwide. Sharp’s 94-year history of success is linked to its dedication and track-record of innovation, and commitment to its customer’s needs. Together as one, AVI-SPL and Sharp’s will optimize these values to provide transformative technology that creates meaningful experiences and brand value for its clients across Canada and around the world.
Following the merger announcement, current Sharp’s’ customers will be provided 24/7 Global Help Desk support and new remote monitoring and management capabilities via AVI-SPL’s Unify ME Symphony platform to proactively assess the health and usage of their collaborative environments worldwide. The companies’ unification will form the industry’s most certified team of engineers and technicians in Canada and worldwide, a valuable offering that intrigued each firm from the beginning.
ALI-SPL is here and Sharp’s is here. Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
Barco and KanexPro Settle Patent Infringement DisputeBarco and KanexPro announced today that they have reached an agreement regarding alleged infringement of Barco’s patents and other intellectual property rights.
In February 2017, a Dutch court authorized Barco to seize KanexPro’s MyTurn Wireless Presentation System at the trade show ISE in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Barco subsequently filed a lawsuit against KanexPro in the patent court of The Hague, the Netherlands, for infringing European Patent EP 2756668 and infringement of Barco’s registered European Community Design with registration number 001312101-0001, both directed to Barco’s ClickShare Presentation System. Barco also holds U.S. Patent Nos. 8,756,348 and D699241 covering the ClickShare System.
Under the agreement, KanexPro has agreed to cease the distribution and sale of its MyTurn Wireless Presentation System in Europe and the US. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
NEC Launches New C SeriesNEC Display Solutions of America today announced that it has launched its new, fully commercial C Series displays, offering customers a slim profile and sleek design at an economical price point.
The new C Series includes three models — the 43″ C431, 50″ C501 and 55″ C551 — all of which have a mechanical depth of only 45mm. This slender profile allows for a lighter design as well as unobtrusive mounting and easier accessibility in situations where ADA compliance is of importance.
These models provide many commercial-grade features, including full bidirectional external control through both the LAN and RS232 interfaces, which enables easier integration into control systems. They can also be installed in both landscape and portrait orientation, expanding the ways in which users can deploy them.
The C Series models are ideally suited as digital signage displays for informational and advertising purposes as well as presentation devices for smaller conference rooms or huddle spaces. They contain anti-glare screens that scatter incidental light and allow customers maximum visibility of the content being displayed on the screen, which is of utmost importance for digital signage applications. Each C Series display will also have an optional IR touch overlay that will allow users to easily turn each display into a touchscreen for wayfinding and other interactive uses.
The C Series were all here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
Absen Targets LCD Applications with New Acclaim LED Series Absen announced today the U.S. launch of the company’s newest fixed indoor LED series called, Acclaim. The Acclaim Series is designed to be an indoor direct-view LED solution for retail, corporate, transportation hubs and HOW (house of worship).
Available in a wide range of pixel-pitch configurations (1.2-mm, 1.5-mm, 1.9-mm, 2.5-mm and 3.8-mm), the Acclaim Series meets the needs of many indoor installations and pixel pitches. Acclaim’s HD aspect ratio and 27.5” diagonal size allows four panels to create a 55” display like that of a LCD, but without mullions. The four panels can be installed with a standard VESA mount and allows the end user to work in a standard 16:9 aspect ratio, a very common aspect ratio in the HOW market.
Absen says that installation of the series is easy whether it be mounted to a wall, hung or free-standing. Acclaim comes with an Easy Mount Kit that has a thickness of no more than 4 inches allowing for ADA compliant installations. Each front or rear installed panel is interchangeable left to right and are held in place by 4 corner magnets. The series offers creative flexibility and can be customized to provide up to 90-degree convex or concave curves and angles.
Acclaim is built with an LED life of 100,000 operating hours and is designed for easy serviceability and repair with universal magnetic modules that lock into place with guided grooves that prevent potential bending or torqueing of the panels. The Acclaim also features black masks that increase contrast, yet are simple to take off and put on to allow repair of the modules’ LEDs. With Absen Affinity color calibration, the Acclaim will continue to look uniform in color, brightness and consistency throughout the life of the product.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Bose Professional Ships EdgeMax In-Ceiling Loudspeakers with PhaseGuide Technology Bose Professional is now shipping its EdgeMax in-ceiling loudspeakers. EdgeMax loudspeakers feature proprietary Bose PhaseGuide technology, which BOSE says provides room-filling coverage while improving overall sound quality compared to the performance of conventional ceiling loudspeakers. Designed for mounting near wall boundaries, EdgeMax loudspeakers project high-frequency sound throughout rooms up to 65 feet (20 m) wide using only perimeter mounting locations, and can effectively cover an area that would require up to four conventional conical-coverage models. EdgeMax loudspeakers can eliminate the need for conventional ceiling speakers mounted in the center of rooms, or surface-mount loudspeakers mounted on walls. And because of their unique design and consistent coverage pattern, EdgeMax loudspeakers reduce the total number of in-ceiling loudspeakers required, enabling installers to move efficiently through the installation, creating great-looking and great-sounding end results. Additionally, EdgeMax loudspeakers are designed to produce intelligibility for speech and full-frequency response for music, making them ideal for retail, commercial, industrial, institutional and conferencing applications.
EdgeMax in-ceiling premium loudspeakers are available with two different horizontal coverage patterns. EdgeMax EM90 models provide nominal 90-degree horizontal coverage and are intended for in-ceiling mounting near room corners. EdgeMax EM180 models provide nominal 180-degree horizontal coverage and are intended for in-ceiling mounting near wall boundaries centered along target coverage zones. Both models feature 75-degree asymmetrical vertical coverage, which is optimized for ceiling heights between eight feet and 20 feet.
Features of EdgeMax in-ceiling premium loudspeakers:
- PhaseGuide technology provides a unique asymmetrical vertical pattern for room-filling coverage when mounting near wall-ceiling boundaries.
- Provides improved room visual appearance for demanding interior designs by eliminating center-of-ceiling or wall-mounted loudspeakers
- High-frequency compression driver for best-in-class audio quality with superior frequency response and coverage consistency versus typical dome tweeters
- Eight-inch woofer with wall-boundary loading, provides extended bass impact
- Two-way passive crossover with 70V/100V transformer
- New auto-hold, spring-loaded mounting arms for fast, easy installs
- Magnetically attached grill for quick access to wiring and tap settings
- Coverage pattern similar to a surface-mount loudspeaker enables stereo designs
- UL1480A listing for air-handling (plenum) space installation
EdgeMax in-ceiling premium loudspeakers are already shipping. Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Vaddio Ships AV Bridge MatrixMIX Multipurpose AV SwitcherVaddio is now shipping its new AV Bridge MatrixMIX Multipurpose AV Switcher. The AV Bridge MatrixMIX brings live event production to UCC applications such as Skype for Business, WebEx and Google Hangouts.
The AV Bridge MatrixMIX can be used in a variety of applications including live production, automated presentation and unified conferencing and collaboration. It offers a multi-functional feature set to combine switching, advanced camera control, streaming and graphics mixing capabilities – all from a single appliance.
When paired with Vaddio’s two other new products – the new PCC MatrixMIX Camera Controller and TeleTouch 27 USB Touch-Screen Multiviewer, an integrator can create customized solutions for a number of specific applications. For example, it can be used as a production switcher in a live event application, or it can be configured as a local presentation switcher for a lecture capture application in a larger lecture hall. The AV Bridge MatrixMIX can be configured for a PC-based collaboration session. Because it can be controlled and configured remotely, an operator can use the AV Bridge MatrixMIX in large enterprise and higher education applications where a centralized control center is used to control multiple AV rooms.
The AV Bridge MatrixMIX AV Switcher is an 8×2 video mixer that also provides multiviewer output. Its 11×7 audio mixer supports analog, HDMI, USB and IP audio channels. It offers embedded RTSP IP and USB 3.0 output streaming, plus four graphic keying layers per output channel.
More information is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Atlona Finally Ships VelocityAtlona announced that Velocity is now shipping and available through Atlona partners and dealers worldwide. Velocity was introduced as a networked AV control platform for Atlona and third-party products in commercial AV environments ranging from individual meeting rooms up to an entire campus or enterprise. Key benefits include fast, configuration-based, highly intuitive AV control systems, with centralized management for multiple clients and site installations and full redundancy capability that avoids downtime anywhere in a client’s AV control installation. Its innovative network-based system architecture supports unprecedented scalability limited only by the capacity of the facility’s IT backbone. Velocity is comprised of three distinct elements that work together as a single, unified platform: - Velocity Control Gateway is a software and IP-based control processor designed for several AV systems over a network. Atlona offers the Velocity Control Gateway as a server appliance that can interface with up to 250 devices,or as software for hosting on IT server infrastructure to serve up to 5,000 devices. This expandability, unmatched by traditional AV control processors, is unprecedented in scale and value. An IP-based system architecture with automatic failover allows full redundancy in facilities with two Gateways in operation. All control system setup and management are available by accessing the Gateway through a web browser.
- Velocity Touch Panels, available in 5.5” and 8” screen sizes that include hardware for wall or surface mounting, and support for standard PoE, enable seamless user operation and interaction with AV systems. Additionally, the Velocity Control System allows easy BYOD integration with tablets, smartphones and laptops, as well as PC desktops and touch displays. The web-based graphical user interfaces are automatically generated by the Velocity Control Gateway during system configuration and then are easily accessible to the touch panels or BYOD user devices. Velocity includes pre-built and customizable GUI themes with intuitive static and dynamic visual elements.
- Velocity Cloud is a centralized online resource for AV integrators, AV/IT administrators, tech managers and technicians to remotely configure, monitor, and service Velocity Control Systems for their clients. Velocity Cloud enables access to a client’s Velocity installation from anywhere worldwide through a web browser. It empowers integrators with a host features to deliver premium technical support through system setup and troubleshooting, continuous system monitoring, event notifications, instant alerts, system backup and restoration, software and security updates, usage reporting, analytics and much more. Velocity Cloud provides an essential foundation for offering managed services to clients.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
Extron Ships Four-Channel DTP Output Card for Quantum Ultra with Selectable DTP / XTP / HDBaseT Output Modes Extron is shipping the new Quantum OUT4DTP, a four-channel DTP output card for the Quantum Ultra video wall processor. The Quantum OUT4DTP card sends video signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) over shielded CATx cable. In four-channel mode the unit supports resolutions up to 2K. Dual-channel mode supports two single path 4K/30 signals, while single-channel mode supports one dual-path or quad path 4K/60 signal. Output format selection provides a choice of DTP, XTP or HDBaseT output modes. Power insertion on the Quantum OUT4DTP enables remote powering of DTP receivers, eliminating the need for separate power supplies at the remote units. Bidirectional RS232 and IR insertion provides control of AV devices by transmitting data alongside the video signal over DTP connections, allowing the remote device to be controlled without the need for additional cabling.
Quantum Ultra is a modular 4K video wall processor with high-performance scaling and windowing technology which accommodates a wide range of applications. It features the Extron Vector 4K scaling engine and HyperLane video bus capable of carrying a multitude of high-resolution sources for unmatched real-time performance. A single processor can support multiple video walls with mixed resolutions and screen orientations, providing flexible system design with minimal complexity and cost. Portrait and landscape output support, output overlap, mullion compensation, and custom output resolutions provide compatibility with nearly any display technology. RS232 and Ethernet interfaces provide direct connections for control systems. Quantum Ultra’s configurability, features and performance make it a future-ready solution for any video wall application.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Comprehensive Intros CHE-HDBT2010 4K 18G HDBaseT Extender Kit Comprehensive Connectivity Company has launched its new CHE-HDBT2010 4K (18Gbps) HDBaseT Extender Kit. Comprehensive’s HDBaseT Extender supports 18G Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) 4K@60Hz 2160p and can extend HDMI signals up to 70 meters (230 feet) to a compatible display. This kit is designed to convert HDMI signals to a standard HDBaseT signal and transmit it over a single Ethernet (Cat5e or higher) cable. It also supports bi-directional POC, so there is no need to run additional power. The kit also includes two IR receivers and two transmitters, allowing for bidirectional infrared control of a connected HDMI source and display.
Here are the features:
- HDMI 2.0b (18Gbps), HDCP 2.2 and DVI compliant
- Video Resolutions up to 4K@60KHz (YUV 4:4:4)
- Bi-Directional POC, either TX or RX is powered by included power supply
- 10-bit HDR pass through
- HDMI High Bit Rate (HBR) audio pass through
- CEC bypass
- LPCM 2CH, Dolby Digital 2/5.1CH, DTS 2/5.1CH
- Transmission Distance (Cat6): 4K at 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 40 meters, 1080p at 60Hz up to 70 meters
- Kit includes transmitter and receiver
- RoHS Certified
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Barco’s New 4K F80 Laser Projector Is Aimed at Museums and Large VenuesTo complete its offer for the fixed installation market, Barco is extending its F-series platform with a flexible new projector, the F80. Marketed as “the silent” F,” it’s designed for museums and venues that require brightness under 10K lumens, 24/7 up-time and 4K resolution (4096×2400).
The F80 builds on the fundamentals of the other Barco F-series phosphor laser projectors. The constant brightness and long-life color performance is managed by Barco Pulse’s unique Single Step Processing (SSPTM) technology that delivers 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution in only one step. So users can offer their audiences a sharper image and much higher overall image quality with less latency compared to other products on the market.
The Barco F80 will be available from the fourth quarter of 2017. The F80 specs are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Allen & Heath Showcases ME-500 Personal Mixer Allen & Heath announces the ME-500 Personal Mixer, an accessible personal monitoring solution for houses of worship, rental companies and performing artists. As a 16-channel complement to the existing 40-channel ME-1, the ME-500 allows musicians to quickly and independently build and control their own monitor mixes with simplified setup and controls. Like the ME-1, the new ME-500 is plug and play compatible with Allen & Heath’s digital mixer range or with third party digital consoles via the ME-U hub.
ME-500 features include a crisp, dimmable display, 16 backlit select keys, mute and solo buttons, a master level with limiter and EQ, plus a single rotary encoder for all main navigation and control. Each ME-500 can store and recall eight user presets for different mixes, users and shows and save them to a USB thumb drive. Outputs include a mini jack and ¼” headphone jack and a TRS mono out for wedge monitors.
Any number of ME-500 and ME-1 personal mixers can be added to a system. Secure EtherCon connectors allow ME-500s to be daisy-chained, or deployed in a star topology using the ME-U or an off-the-shelf PoE switch.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
FSR Ships Wire Marshall Under-Table Wire Management SystemFSR is now shipping its new Wire Marshall Under-Table Wire Management (WM-CMPT) System. Introduced earlier this year at InfoComm 2017 in Orlando, Fla., the new system offers clean and elegant cabling.
A complete solution for tying FSR’s table boxes to the company’s line of floor box and poke-thru solutions, the Wire Marshall system provides for clean and elegant cable management in table designs that lack a pedestal for hiding cables and power as they transition from the table boxes to the floor. The WM-CMPT system consists of the WM-UTC Under Table Channel for dressing cables horizontally along the table underside. Its unique shape and rubber like edge allows cables to enter and exit the channel at any point along its length. Each 22.5” track has mitered ends to create corners or allow cables to pass into the Cable Pathway (WM-CP). For longer custom installation, the 5’ long WM-UTC5 is available.
The WM-CP Cable Pathway provides a 25” to 30” adjustable height pathway from the table’s underside to the floor for an integrated solution for handling multiple low-voltage AV/Data and AC cables. The Wire Marshall Cable Pathway easily opens to allow the addition of low-voltage or AC cables each in their own divided section, providing an elegant and sturdy cable transport solution. The top of the Cable Path has a built in service loop storage area to neatly bundle excess cable.
The WM-LC Leg Channel is also available for dressing cables along the backside of a round table leg. FSR is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Covid Adds HDBaseT Certified Cables Covid has announced the addition of HDBaseT certified bulk cables to their line of category cable products. These new cables ship in lengths of 1000 feet and are housed in convenient Reelex boxes that offer easy pulling. Both plenum and non-plenum versions are available with plenum cable choices in black or blue jacket colors.
As you likely know, HDBaseT allows for the transmission of HDMI signals, long distance over just one Cat5e or Cat6 cable. Covid’s new HDBaseT cables offer the reassurance that they are certified and rated specific for HDBaseT use. As an additional feature, these HDBase-T certified cables come pre-packaged in Reelex boxes. This makes cable pulling easy and free from messy tangles.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
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).
Don’t like us? Then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send us feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to founder Gary at gary@ravepubs.com or Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
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
To read more about rAVe’s team and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top |
Copyright 2017 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: Sara@rAVePubs.com
rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
|
|
|