Volume 15, Issue 2 — January 25, 2017
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Industry News Unified Collaborative Conferencing Projection Media Players, Recording & Distribution Displays Audio Control & Signal Processing
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An Announcement from QSC, the Death of Hardware and Where We Go Next
By Leonard Suskin Pixel and Ink-Stained Wretch
I’ve been writing for some time about how the days for dedicated hardware in the commercial AV realm might be numbered. We will always, of course, need edge devices: loudspeakers and amplifiers, microphones and audio digitizers. Video encoders, video decoders. Displays. Between all of these devices, however, live the entire world of AV switching, control, audio processing, video processing. These are, at their heart, collections of algorithms and instructions, with little need for a dedicated box. Where will this take us? A not-unexpected announcement from our friends at QSC is a clear waypoint along one path.
What QSC Is Doing
The announcement is a simple one: QSC is putting their software in a standard Dell server — the same kind of server that would run pretty much any other enterprise software. If I understand this correctly, that means no big grey box with the words “QSC” stamped on it. What’s more is that the QSC platform can be used as a control platform as well as an audio-processing platform. Even assuming that video transport isn’t coming soon (and I have every reason to suspect that it is), there’s no reason the Q-SYS software cannot be used to send control strings to a series of network-based video encoders and decoders.
Meanwhile Utelogy has been making inroads with their own software-based platform. The two firms have taken very different direction: The Q-SYS platform is built on the type of audio-processing environment with which we’ve been familiar for over a decade now; it’s an active and sophisticated system involving specialized configuration skill set. The Utelogy platform is a bit simpler and more closely resembles a unified communications platform such as Cisco Call Manager than it does a traditional AV control system. Q-SYS is, at its heart, an audio processing platform with control processing and video transport (currently via QSC’s IP cameras only, but I expect to see more added to it). The Utelogy platform is an enterprise communications and ID management system with AV control overlaid. The latter is probably better for handling various user-IDs and permission levels, while the former better lends itself to the “work” of an AV system, including audio processing.
As software grows, it will be interesting to see which approach gains the larger foothold.
What Does This Mean?
The superficial answer is that a specialized box will be replaced by a non-specialized box performing the same function. That is technically an answer, but a reductive and not terribly interesting one. A better question is that of what it means for our business and for how the AV integration world works. What IS an AV system? What does an AV professional actually do?
I wouldn’t be your pixel and ink-stained wretch if I didn’t answer in metaphor. For today’s metaphor, let’s look at IP telephony. While there are specialized firms to handle this kind of work, they do not design, build and configure an entire telephony system for a single space. What they create is an infrastructure on which a larger system or set of systems can be constructed. Can I see a future in which streamlined “conference room” modules in an instance of Q-SYS software could be implemented to add a huddle room with a USB microphone and IP camera to an existing configuration? I absolutely can. In such a world, a new room could be brought online in less than an hour and tear-down could be just as quick.
Where Does That Leave Us?
It leaves us with our core competencies — in understanding audio, in understanding sight-lines and in helping our clients build the infrastructure on which they can build. It’s understanding microphones and loudspeakers. It’s forging relationships, including on-going service and support contracts to keep the systems working and help add to them.
It’s leading the discussion on what is possible in an ever-changing and ever-evolving world.
If we insist that it’s our role to sell boxes, then the death of the box WILL be our death as well. If we remain smart and adaptable, we’ll find more chances to do what we do well and to fit into a whole new world. Leave a Comment
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Temporary Installations Provide Opportunity
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
In October, the Bates College Museum of Art opened an exhibit titled, Phantom Punch: Contemporary Art from Saudi Arabia in Lewiston. The title plays off the famous bout between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston in 1965 in our small town. The exhibit is culturally enlightening and eye candy to those of us who are A/V fanatics. This is the first exhibit the museum has put on that includes large amounts of audio visual technology. In total, the exhibit has three projectors and three monitors displaying the content of the exhibit. The museum space at Bates consists of two floors, the top being a high ceiling, wide open space with wood floors. The lower floor is also wide open with wood floors, but has a lower ceiling.
Thankfully at Bates we have two excellent people on our AV staff who were ready to jump to the challenge. Our senior AV analyst, Ben Lizzotte (@benlizzotte), took on the challenge of designing the system. The challenge included designing audio for the large cavernous space upstairs, along with keeping the budget under control. Ben settled on Epson projectors, including one short-throw projector, BrightSign digital signage boxes for content, and Audio Spotlight speakers by Holsonic. The speakers were chosen in order to present localized audio in an open space without a lot of bleeding sound into the other exhibits. Our AV analyst, Ben Pinkham (yes, they are both named Ben), assisted with the install of the equipment.
As a group, we struggled with the budget constraints and the value of the investment in the technology. Some things, like the BrightSign players, are offered at a low enough cost that they made sense to purchase straight out. Additionally, there seems to be many uses for these devices around campus, so we were confident we could reuse them. However, other things, like the 80” display and the short throw projector, are costly and don’t have an immediate use on campus after the exhibit. Finally, we had to wonder about the hidden costs of our staff designing and installing the equipment. We estimated that over 80 hours of staff time was dedicated to the design and install of the system. While our client was very happy with the product, and the visitors love what they see, we need to think about the best way to handle such a request in the future.
We did some investigation with our local integrators, but they did not have a model for such a request. If we were to rent this equipment from them for three straight months, we would clearly spend more than if we bought the equipment. The firm we spoke with was not prepared to offer different costs for longer term rentals. Once the install was done, we computed the costs of the install and equipment, we began to realize that this type of installation could provide a business opportunity to integration firms. If the integration firms already have a rental division they have a head start. The firm could rent us the equipment needed, at a cost slightly under what we would have paid if we purchased it. This allows them to make a profit on the equipment while increasing their rental inventory. The new equipment would be valuable to the firm, as they would not have to wait through the length of time it normally takes them have a return on their investment for rental equipment. It would be immediate. It would provide value to us, by saving us money, and not leaving us with equipment that we need to store and may never use again.
Installation is also an area where an integrator could provide us value. We were fortunate that this installation came at a time when our schedules were light(er). Ben(s) installed the exhibit over two weeks in October. Had this happened during our very busy summer schedule or the first month of classes, they simply would not have been able to get it done. Even during the slower month of October, some things had to be put off in order to get the work done. If you have read my columns in the past, you know that I argue for colleges completing installs internally. This is because I believe keeping the knowledge of the install inside the institution provides great value in the future. However, a temporary (three- to four-month) install does not qualify for this same long term value. Using our internal technicians to focus on other projects, while outsourcing this install seems like the wiser long term value.
While this example is about our museum, we have encountered similar issues with our theater and dance departments. They have demanding AV needs for a short time during their rehearsal and performances. Once those are done, they may go a long time without needing technology, and when they do need technology, it may very well be different from prior needs. With most colleges and universities having theaters and museums this seems like an opportunity for integrators to open up a profitable new segment of their business.
As always, I am curious to hear what others do about these installs. Do you do them internally and purchase the equipment? What do you do with the equipment when you are done? Do you rent the equipment and outsource the installation? If so, how does that work for you? Leave a Comment
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HARMAN Shareholders Sue to Stop Samsung SaleEarlier this week, a class action putative lawsuit was filed by major HARMAN shareholders in an attempt to block the sale to Samsung.
The suit was filed in Delaware Chancery Court against the company’s directors and claims that the directors sold HARMAN for too little money when they agreed on the $8 Billion price tag. The suit specifically claims “breach of fiduciary duty” by Harman Chairman, President and CEO Dinesh Paliwal, saying that Paliwal and the other directors weren’t acting in the best interest of the company or its shareholders in the deal with Samsung. The filing also calls the deal “flawed and undervalued” and they object to the self-imposed $240 Million termination fee, if Harman were to pursue other bids besides Samsung’s.
This filing comes on the heels of the public complaint in December by Atlantic Investment Management who owns almost 3 percent of Harman’s stock. Leading the lawsuit in the filing is a shareholder named Robert Fine.
There is a shareholder’s meeting sometime in the first quarter of this year to decide the matter, but this could cause some major backlash against the merger. Already, many in the AV market have expressed concern that Samsung could be buying Harman exclusively for the auto products division and may not pay attention to the amazing ProAV brands that Harman holds — brands like Crown, AMX, JBL, dbx, Soundcraft and Lexicon.
Harman Pro is here.
Harman Consumer is here.
Samsung is here. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Goes Distribution With DM Product Line — Picks Almo Pro A/V Almo Professional A/V today announced it has become a U.S. distributor for Crestron’s Simple DigitalMedia (DM) product line.
As part of the new agreement, Almo now provides Crestron’s latest line up of Simple DigitalMedia (DM) technology products designed for low-cost huddle spaces and classroom breakout rooms. Also also announced that Crestron will also participate in the Almo Pro A/V 2017 E4 AV Tour, which commences in Chicago on March 22 and in San Jose on April 19.
“Crestron is a leader when it comes to providing technology for room control, collaboration, and more,” said Sam Taylor, executive vice president and COO for Almo Professional A/V. “As the only U.S. distributor to offer Crestron Simple DM products, Almo is now able to bring this world-class technology into the hands of qualified integrators with the goal of providing a superior project and high end user experience every time. We also look forward to having Crestron on our E4 AV tour this spring as this will give our partners valuable time to learn more about how the Almo and Crestron partnership can elevate their current and upcoming projects.”
Taylor added that the Crestron product offering comes to life with the design and technical support provided by Almo’s Business Development Manager team. When combined with Almo’s Managed Services portfolio for Control Service, Almo partners can help their customers successfully deploy Crestron’s automation and control solutions while earning additional revenue without additional staff.
About the E4: The E4 AV tour has traveled to cities around the country to provide product, technical and business training needs to thousands of resellers and installers while creating the ideal forum for professional networking. Named the best Training, Consulting/Business Service for the third year in a row, the E4 program offers AV professionals a full day of educational sessions worth InfoComm Renewal Units as well as exclusive access to the newest AV products and services. rAVe Founder, Gary Kayye, is the keynote speaker for 2017. You can get more details here.
Crestron DM product line is here. Almo Pro A/V is here. Leave a Comment
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Cisco Debuts Spark Board and Spark MeetingsToday, Cisco launched two all-in-one, cloud-based products in Cisco Spark Board and Cisco Spark Meeting.
Cisco says it invented Spark Board to clean up the conference-room chaos and connect physical rooms to virtual spaces. The Cisco Spark Board will be available in both 55” and 70” sizes. It’s basically a few products in one, including:
- A wireless presentation device which, as you approach, will recognize and greet you — no Bluetooth or special Wi-Fi or network connection required. You control it all from your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile phone. Cisco says they achieved it through a tight integration with the Cisco Spark platform plus a totally-new “ultrasound” wireless pairing technology.
- An interactive digital whiteboard at its heart, Cisco Spark Board users interact with it locally or via a Cisco Spark app, remotely. Cisco says it all is in real-time and simultaneously. It automatically saves your work to a space that the whole team shares so that you can always pick up where you left off later. Of course, Spark Board integrates video calls and it’s software is integrated with a security platform called crypto.
- The Cisco Spark Board has what Cisco is calling “theater-quality” audio and video. Its integrated with a 4K camera as well as a microphone array and their VoiceTrack technology.
Cisco has also launched Spark Meetings. By adding some of the popular meeting capabilities from Cisco WebEx, it in essence extends the meeting to include the time before and after — and in the process creates a fundamentally new way to meet. Cisco Spark Meetings is basically the Cisco Spark Board in your pocket. You can whiteboard together — even if no one has a Cisco Spark Board. They’ve built the functionality into all of the Cisco Spark apps. You can use it to schedule a meeting — it creates a team space so you can create the agenda, get all the people involved, share content and chat back and forth. Users can also post meeting comments, follow-up action items or notes from the meeting are all in integrated into Spark Meeting.
Cisco also changed the way a user navigates in the Cisco Spark app. An activity-based workflow will be the same on all of your devices: desktop, mobile phone, tablet, Cisco Spark Board.
The 55-inch version of the Cisco Spark Board will ship within a week and will list for $4,990. The subscription will cost $199 per month and include the cloud service, help desk and software upgrades. Cisco will make a 70-inch version of the board available later this year for $9,990.
Here are more details on Spark Board, while here are complete specs for Spark Meeting. Leave a Comment
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Now KanexPro Tries to Dethrone Barco with New MyTurn Presentation System (and Button)KanexPro has announced a new collaborative screen sharing presentation system called the MyTurn Presentation System. It’s, well, another knock-off of the Barco ClickShare. The ClickShare commands greater than 80 percent of the wireless presentation market for small meeting rooms so it will be interesting to see if KanexPro can do what no one else has been able to do — have a real, competitive product to Barco’s ClickShare. In fact, the most competitive product to ClickShare has come from WePresent — (and most people don’t know this but they are…) a Barco-owned company
Designed for meeting rooms and huddle spaces, the presentation system comes with one USB based MyTurn Button for easy click and present right out of the box. No wires or installation, with simple wireless connection between your devices to the display. Simply cast a laptop or mobile device on a presentation screen with a simple click. With the app, available for free in the GooglePlay Store, users can share content with a single click of the virtual button from any Android based device. This app enables users to easily share, annotate and control.
To ensure that your content is displayed on the right screen, every MyTurn Button is paired with a Base Unit. The pairing process is fast and simple and MyTurn buttons can be transferred across meeting rooms without a problem. Multiple MyTurn buttons can be paired to the Base Unit and up to four people can click to present at a time on to one large format display. A pre-configured MyTurn Button transmitter, which connects to your laptop via USB. MyTurn raises the productivity of meetings with zero time wasted on technical hick-ups. No software installation on any operating system needed.
More information is here.
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Nureva Announces European Debut of HDL300 System at ISE 2017Nureva announced the European debut of the HDL300 audio conferencing system and its innovative Microphone Mist technology at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Amsterdam, February 7 to 10, 2017. In 2016, the HDL300 system was named Best New Audio Conferencing Product in rAVe Publication’s Best of InfoComm Awards, and it’s poised to establish a new technology platform for audio conferencing.
The Nureva HDL300 audio conferencing system provides a natural listening experience for people who call into meetings where participants are actively collaborating and working at different locations in the room. The system uses Nureva’s breakthrough, patent-pending Microphone Mist technology to place 8,192 virtual microphones throughout the meeting room to pick up sound from any location. Enabled by real-time hardware, the system uses sophisticated algorithms to simultaneously process sound from all the virtual microphones to provide remote participants with a natural listening experience. All participants can be heard clearly regardless of where they are in the room, the direction they are facing or the volume of their voice. The HDL300 system is compatible with common software conferencing products and is optimized for small to mid-sized meeting spaces.
Press attending ISE can receive a scheduled demonstration of the HDL300 system during two special press events on Nureva’s stand 13-E70 in the Education Pavilion. Demonstrations are also available anytime outside of the noted days and times.
- Tuesday, 7 February at 1:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, 8 February at 10:30 a.m.
The HDL300 audio conferencing system will be available globally this spring through a network of authorized resellers and distributors. The list price in EMEA is $3,499. Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Altia Systems Claims to Kill the PTZ with Integrated Three-Camera Solution Everyone knows the value of a PTZ in conference room solutions. But, in small rooms, what if you had an integrated solution that used three cameras that covered the entire room — would you need an PTZ?
That’s what Altia Systems is hoping will replace the PTZ — the company’s three-camera packaged solution called PanaCast 2. It’s basically three cameras shooting one continuous seamed image that’s 180-degrees and 4K resolution. While wide-angle or wide field-of-view cameras have been around for a long time, most produce significant distortion, causing horizontal and vertical lines to bend (so-called barrel distortion) and form a very unnatural image unusable for videoconferencing.
Altia took a different approach. The company took three HD cameras (each with a more modest field-of-view) and stitched the three images together dynamically in the camera while also adding image correction to produce a single video stream that can cover up to 180° with very little distortion (the image below is an example of a room covered by the PanaCast 2).
It’s an interesting solution and one that will certainly be emulated by the biggies in the market — and, if Cisco, Polycom and Logitech aren’t already considering buying Altia Systems, they should! It’s compatible with every single VTC system (hardware or cloud-based) on the market today (yes, including Skype) and just plus into a computer’s USB port.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Wolf Cinema Releases Four New TXF Series Projectors and One is Native 4K Wolf Cinema today announced the release of an all-new series of advanced 4K imaging projectors for the home — three using 6th generation three-chip D-ILA light engine integrated with laser/phosphor for light output and colorimetry.
The new projectors in the so-called TXF Theater Extreme 4K series are the native 1080p lamp-based TXF-900, TXF-1400 and TXF-2000 and the 4K resolution (4096×2160) TXF-5000. Starting at under $10,000 list, include three traditional lamp-based editions, plus an all-new second generation, high-output Blu-escent laser-phosphor flagship projector. All four models are available now.
Every version of the TXF series incorporates full 18Gbps Ultra HD HDMI 2.0 inputs with HDCP 2.2 compatibility — with up to 4K60 4:4:4 sources (scaled to 1080p for the first three models) and brightness specs between 2,500 and 3,200 ANSI lumens. And, all four include HDR10 imaging compatibility, multiple aspect ratio memories, custom factory gamut and gamma calibrations and are housed in an all-metal chassis.
The most interesting of the TXF series is a second-generation Blu-escent laser/phosphor projector, model TXF-5000. Incorporating what Wolf says is an all new, 0.69 inch three-chip native 4K D-ILA technology core, and illuminated by a 20,000-hour life Blu-Escent laser diode/phosphor light source, the TXF-5000 is their high-end. With 3,200 ANSI lumens, Wolf Cinema actually specs the contrast at unmeasurable levels [∞:1] — yes, that is an infinity sign and we’re not sure what to make of that, to be honest. The all-glass, 18-element precision primary optics package includes lens shift for (±100 percent vertical, ±43 percent horizontal) and, like the other three models, is specified at HDR10, Hybrid Log-Gamma for live HDR broadcasts, easily achieving the BT.709 and Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI) color gamut and over 80 percent of the ultra-wide BT.2020 color space.
Here’s more information. Leave a Comment
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Epson Intros Slimmest Ultra-Portable Projectors with New PowerLite 1700-SeriesEpson today introduced its slimmest (as thin as a laptop and just four pounds) ultra-portable projectors to date – the next- generation PowerLite 1700-Series. The PowerLite 1795F, 1785W, 1781W and 1780W are the smallest form factor of any 3LCD projectors on the market, according to Epson, and are designed for business travelers. They include totally wireless connectivity and automatic vertical keystone correction.
Epson projectors feature 3LCD, 3-chip technology and the new PowerLite 1700-Series projectors support Google Chromecast, Roku, MHL-enabled devices and anything HDMI. The PowerLite 1780W, 1781W and 1785W are native WXGA resolution (1280×800), and the flagship PowerLite 1795F is native 1920×1080. The PowerLite 1780W is 3,000 lumens color brightness and 3,000 lumens white brightness, and the PowerLite 1781W, PowerLite 1785W and PowerLite 1795F deliver 3,200 lumens color brightness and 3,200 lumens white brightness.
The PowerLite 1781W lists for $799, the PowerLite 1780W is $749, the 1785W is $1,099 and the 1795F is $1,249. Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Ricoh Targets Casio’s Virtual Presenter in Hologram for Digital Signage Ricoh today unveiled a virtual presenter hologram that’s very similar to the CASIO virtual presenter system. The RICOH Virtual Self-Service Hologram uses artificial intelligence (AI) holograms and Ricoh’s ultra short-throw RICOH PJ WX4152N projectors to greet, inform and bid farewell to visitors.
RICOH Virtual Self-Service Hologram can be deployed in a variety of ways to address the needs of many retail, tradeshow, sporting and other venues. Holograms can be set to project computer generated images of people, animals, mascots or even real-life people, such as executives or celebrities. Using Ricoh’s ultra short-throw technology, the holograms require a 16″x15″ footprint. Additionally, updating messaging for the CGI receptionist is quick and easy, making it simple to address common questions or changing messaging needs. For example, a retail location could use a RICOH Virtual Self-Service Hologram as a virtual greeter who receives visitors, answers basic questions and provides coupons for discounts.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Christie Expands Laser-Phosphor Projector Lineup Christie just announced the availability of two new additions to the Christie GS Series of 1-chip DLP laser-phosphor projectors. Both new models feature improved color performance and are spec’d to provide 20,000 hours of operation. The Christie DHD599-GS and DWU599-GS are professional-grade projectors aimed at conference rooms, higher education, houses of worship and similar small-venue applications. Christie DHD599-GS includes HD resolution (1920×1080) and 5,625 ISO lumens while the DWU599-GS offers WUXGA resolution (1920×1200) and 6,065 ISO lumens. Both projectors are specified at 1.5 million:1 contrast ratio.
The The Christie DHD599-GS is here and the DWU599-GS is here. Leave a Comment
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AVerMedia’s 4K Capture Card Now Supports NewTek’s NDIAVerMedia today announced support for NewTek’s NDI, a software-driven live production IP workflow over Ethernet.
NewTek’s royalty free NDI technology allows video and audio sources to be shared bi-directionally across a network, claiming to eliminate the need for costly direct connections, expensive cable runs, and infrastructure upgrades while utilizing every IP video source on the network instantly.
Coupling NDI with AVerMedia’s 4K PCIe capture card, live 4K video can be accessed over the network while the IP-based workflow simplifies the creation and distribution of high quality media production. The advantages of AVerMedia SDK incorporating NDI means network users accessing the 4K stream also gain AVerMedia 4K capture card’s video processing functionalities such as resolution scaling, de-interlacing and color-space conversion.
NDI can help build an efficient live video production IP workflow infrastructure over an Ethernet network. With AVerMedia NDI-ready products, users can produce, integrate and manage multiple 4K streams on-the-fly. Without negating current SDI solutions, producers may utilize their GbE Ethernet network and transform their facility into an IP video production studio.
For details on the NDI, go here. AVerMedia is here. Leave a Comment
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NEC Display Solutions Adds Two New MultiSync Monitors NEC Display Solutions announced today the addition of the new 22-inch MultiSync E221N-BK and 24-inch MultiSync E241N-BK to its desktop product lineup.
Designed with the small business and entry-level enterprise customers in mind, the MultiSync E Series monitors offer IPS panels, ultra-narrow bezels on three sides and included thin client mounts for maximum value.
The MultiSync E221N-BK and E241N-BK both feature a fully adjustable ergonomic stand, including 110mm height-adjust, tilt and swivel capabilities. In addition, the included stands enable pivoting to portrait orientation in either direction, allowing two displays used together to match the thin bezels in the middle, expanding the products’ ability to fit into almost any existing environment.
Below are additional features included in the MultiSync E221N-BK and E241N-BK:
- LED backlight technology with 16:9 aspect ratio and 1920×1080 native resolution provides a smooth viewing experience
- 25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio delivers detailed images and text
- Expanded connectivity including DisplayPort, VGA and DVI-D ports
- Integrated speakers and headphone jack enable business conferencing
- Ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the brightness to the optimal setting depending on the environment’s lighting, minimizing power consumption
- ECO Mode allows users to manually adjust the display’s brightness to two preset settings, including ENERGY STAR, which saves more power and reduces energy costs
- Carbon footprint and cost meter allow users to quickly and easily track the savings of green gas emissions
- Compliant with the newest standards, such as ENERGY STAR 7.0 and TCO 7.0
The MultiSync E221N-BK and E241N-BK will be available in January 2017 and list for $219 and $259, respectively. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Cloud Electronics Debuts New MA40 Series Mini Amplifiers at ISE Cloud Electronics will show two new models of the MA40 Mini Amplifier series at ISE 2017. The new MA40F Mini Amplifier features a mono 40W output (4Ω), two stereo line inputs with individual input gain, an additional 70V/100V line input, a paging microphone input with independent EQ, music EQ, music mute (for simple fire alarm connection) and a facility port that allows Cloud’s LM-2 wall input module and Cloud’s new BT-1F Bluetooth wireless audio module to be connected easily.
The MA40T offers identical features to the MA40 but provides 100V output (25V/70V/100V) in place of the low-impedance output. The MA40F and MA40T are the first in a line of four MA40 mini amplifier models, RS232 / Ethernet and Remote Level functionality being added to the four model line-up.
The Cloud Electronics booth is in Hall 7, Stand 7-T170. Here are all the product specs. Leave a Comment
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KLARK TEKNIK Ships DM8000 Digital Audio Processor KLARK TEKNIK has started shipping its DM8000 advanced digital audio processor for installation applications featuring configurable DSP, audio networking and acoustic echo cancellation.
Aimed at teleconferencing and videoconferencing applications, the DM8000 integrates via USB, and the 1U rack mount chassis can also be remote controlled using built-in Ethernet and RS232 ports. The DM8000 is included with KLARK’s DSP Designer software containing a library of processing modules. Multiple DM8000 devices can be linked, creating a network for system-wide programming and control of a variety of input sources and that network can accommodate multiple mic inputs, a live band or stereo music source, as well as telephony — and send the mixes up to six destinations. The DM8000 uses its eight channels of wide band AEC to detect and eliminate secondary room reflections from the signal path.
The DM8000 will list for $1,149 and here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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BAE Audio unveils New 500C FET Compressor and R53 500 Series RackAnalogue gear manufacturer BAE Audio announced the launch of two new products: the 500C FET lunchbox compressor and the R53 three-slot horizontal 500 series rack with linking.
The 500C represents two firsts for the company: it is both BAE Audio’s first FET compressor and its first 500 series format compressor. Based on the design of studio staple FET compressors of the ’60s and ’70s heard on countless hit records, the 500C features controls for input and output gain, plus the four selectable, time-honored compression rations of 4:1, 8:1, 12:1 and 20:1. In addition to taming peaks, its premium components and classic circuit design add highly desireable analog warmth to your signal, making it an all-star for everything from drums to bass to vocals.
The R53 accommodates any three 500 series units in a single rack space thanks to its horizontal configuration, and eliminates studio clutter with a built-in power supply. Switchable linking on the front of the unit allows users to pass signal from one slot to the next, allowing the creation of a customized channel strip by cascading a preamp into an EQ into a compressor. The R53 also sports the same rugged construction as BAE Audio’s larger 500 series racks, with a durable steel chassis, shielded wires on individual connectors, and XLR inputs and outputs.
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Mackie AXIS Digital Mixing System ShipsNow available and shipping worldwide, the modular Mackie AXIS Digital Mixing System combines the power of the 32-channel DL32R digital mixer with a DC16 control surface. With 32 remote-controllable Onyx+ mic preamps and 16 outputs paired with a built-in DSP, the system is aimed at medium and large channel count live sound production and system integration applications. The system relies on Dante for communication between the DL32R mixer and DC16 control surface, enabling additional networking capability for professional applications.
AXIS delivers a tactile mixing experience with the DC16 control surface, with features, according to Mackie, that set it apart from mixers costing twice as much or more. The AXIS design provides a unique surface-to-wireless workflow, allowing users to seamlessly switch between DC16’s hardware controls and comprehensive wireless mixing. This is possible via the integrated SmartBridge, which can house up to three iPad devices, delivering simultaneous control over multiple channels and innovative smart sensing that knows when an iPad is in place. SmartBridge provides customization over each iPad view with both a fixed and history mode that creates workflow flexibility.
The Mackie AXIS system includes the DL32R Rackmount Digital Mixer, the DL Dante Expansion Card and the DC16 Digital Control Surface. Touring and install packages are available, including accessories like an 80m Cat5e reel, DC16 road case and more, depending on the package.
Here are more details. Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces New SoundField XD Two-Way Ceiling Speaker Extron introduced new SoundField XD model SF 26CT, a 6.5″ two-way ceiling speaker featuring an 8″ (20.3 cm) deep composite backcan for use in plenum rated ceiling environments. The driver complement includes a 6.5″ (16.5 cm) woofer coupled to a 3/4″ (1.9 cm) ferrofluid-cooled dome tweeter. With a UL 2043 listed composite speaker enclosure, the SF 26CT meets UL requirements for smoke and heat release in plenum air spaces. A magnetically attached grille with a thin-edged bezel gives the SF 26CT a refined appearance on the ceiling. The SF 26CT offers both direct 8 ohm and 70/100 volt operation with a behind-the-grille, six position power selector switch. With 70/100 volt taps at 8, 16, 32, and 64 watts, the SF 26CT can be used in applications where a high power distributed speaker system is needed.
Designed with the integrator in mind, SoundField XD speakers are constructed using a two-piece modular design with a separable back can and baffle, which simplifies installation in both single-trade and division of labor installations. These speakers include a cable/conduit access plate that can be oriented as side mount, for low clearance ceilings, or as top mount for blind-mounting into drywall ceilings. Extron’s Opti-Torque indicator rings provide a visual indication when the locking arm screws have been sufficiently tightened, preventing damage to the speaker caused by over-torqueing.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Apogee Ships Control Hardware Remote for Element Series and Symphony I/O Mk II Interfaces Apogee Electronics is shipping the Apogee Control, a hardware remote control accessory designed for their Symphony I/O Mk II and Element Series Thunderbolt interfaces. With Apogee Control, you gain lightning access to input and output levels using the large Symphony-inspired Control knob and three control knob focus buttons, plus immediate access to a wide range of functions using the eight user-configurable buttons.
Apogee Control Hardware Remote connects directly to your Mac using a simple USB cable. Apogee Control is sold as a separate accessory and is now available for $195.
Apogee’s Element 24, 46 and 88 are Thunderbolt audio I/O boxes for Mac. The Element Series takes Apogee gear like Symphony I/O Mk II, Ensemble Thunderbolt and Groove and puts it into simple form factors. Symphony I/O Mk II is a multi-channel audio interface featuring Apogee’s newest flagship AD/DA conversion, modular I/O (up to 32 inputs and outputs), touchscreen display and optional microphone preamps.
The new Symphony I/O Mk II comes with direct connectivity to one of three different platforms – Thunderbolt, Pro Tools HD or Waves SoundGrid network. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Denon Ships Split Mix 6 Denon’s Split Mix 6 is a one-rack space routing device that can be utilized as a six-channel mixer or a splitter with up to eight outputs. In Splitter Mode, a stereo input signal can be sent to up to eight discreet outputs. In Mixer Mode, a stereo input signal can be mixed with up to six mono signals — and at the same time, have separate direct outs for the mono inputs.
Features include:
- Perfect for sending a stereo program to separate zones or amplified speaker systems
- Create custom mixes utilizing mixed and separate audio feeds
- Balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs (XLR and TRS)
- Balance / Pan and level controls with six-segment LED meters on each mono input channel
- Main Link function allows routing the main input signal to the main output
- Main input and output level controls with six-segment LED meters for each
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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QSC Will Demo a Glimpse Into the Future of Audio, Video and Control Processing at ISE QSC announced a technology demo that will run existing fourth-generation Q-SYS software on a standard Dell EMC PowerEdge R730 server. This is designed to provide a glimpse into the future of a market where larger installations use centralized data center processing, nearly hardware-free. QSC will demonstrate this for attendees at the Integrated Systems Conference (ISE) Show, February 7-10, 2017 on stand #7-Q-170.
The Q-SYS Platform is centered on audio, video and control (AVC) solutions that take advantage of existing IT hardware, protocols and standards. The Q-SYS Platform uses standard Intel processing, Linux operating system services and IEEE networking protocols. The technology demonstrated at ISE is the next evolution of this design, de-coupling existing Q-SYS software from proprietary hardware and creating an architecture where centralized AVC processing can live in the data center. Now processing intensive features such as AEC and feedback suppression can become a shared resource for any meeting room across the enterprise. This, combined with a portfolio of cost-effective meeting room I/O peripherals, allows users to reliably distribute content and control using existing IT network infrastructure.
Moving to standard mainstream server hardware reflects a typical enterprise IT environment and provides several benefits, particularly for corporate environments and global enterprises, including:
- Simplicity and familiarity: Follow established server deployment, maintenance and management best practices.
- Centralized resourcing: Offers easier room resource moves, adds and changes; automate on-demand deployment of DSP-intensive features such as AEC.
- Flexibility: More effectively support centralized, distributed or hybrid system configurations plus enable current and future software and service deployment models.
- Reliability: Offers redundant power supplies, networking, storage and processing as well as standard Dell BIOS level features including Dell Remote Access Controller (DRAC).
QSC expects these kinds of systems to become the norm for corporate and larger scale enterprise installations in the future. I spoke to TJ Adams, QSC’s director of installed systems product marketing, last week via video (you can see that interview here) and he said by running the existing Q-SYS software on a standard Dell EMC server, users have full backwards compatibility and can expand capabilities of their system by merely adding flexible and inexpensive I/O meeting room end points, such as the recently announced I/O-8 Flex Channel Expander. If localized processing is required in the meeting room, they, obviously, still have their range of medium-sized to smaller systems including the new Q-SYS Core 510i processor. We also covered these products last week here.
The Q-SYS technology demonstration will be shown at scheduled times at the QSC Systems stand 7-Q170 at the Integrated Systems Conference (ISE) in Amsterdam. To sign up for a 15-minute presentation and for more information about QSC Systems at ISE, go here.
See rAVe blogger Leonard Suskin’s commentary on QSC’s announcement here. Leave a Comment
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Matrox Maevex 6100 Quad Encoder Card Now Available Matrox announced the immediate availability of the next generation of Matrox’s H.264 AV-over-IP portfolio, the Matrox Maevex 6100 quad encoder card. Delivering quad 4K input capture, the Maevex 6100 also offers multiple encodes, variable bitrates, and a broad choice of protocols, allowing simultaneous streaming and recording of four or more channels.
The Matrox Maevex 6100 quad encoder card delivers 4K/UHD (4:4:4 @ 30Hz) and Full HD multi-channel capture, encoding, streaming, and recording. Built on H.264, the world’s most common codec, this plug-and-play solution fits seamlessly into existing infrastructures and interoperates with any device on the network, ensuring high-density content distribution and system scalability.
The bundled Matrox PowerStream Plus software application and the available API provide flexible management of local or remote data, ensuring full reach and control over the entire network. PowerStream Plus allows access to Matrox’s powerful advanced hybrid streaming (AHS) features, including multiple source capture, multiple picture-in-picture (PIP) and picture-by-picture (PBP) composite options, and multi-protocol and multi-bitrate streaming. Designed to control all Maevex products, including the Maevex 5100 Series of encoders and decoders, PowerStream Plus allows for the expansion of existing Maevex networks and allows users to pick and choose the Maevex product which best suits their AV streaming needs.
Matrox Maevex 6100 is a 3/4 length PCI Express 3.0 x8 card with 4 Mini HDMI (type C) inputs that allow the capture of up to four 4096×2160@30Hz sources. Offering RTSP, RTP and MPEG2.TS streaming support with an onboard RJ45 network connector (RTMP support to soon follow), the Maevex 6100 can encode a multitude of H.264 streams at the same or varying bitrates. Capable of simultaneous streaming and/or recording to shared network drives or network attached storage, the Maevex 6100 features programmable start time, recording duration, maximum file length and file frequency.
All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Ships Two New 3-Series 4K60 DigitalMedia Presentation Systems Crestron said today that it’s shipping two new 3-Series 4K60 DigitalMedia Presentation Systems, the DMPS3-4K-300-C and DMPS3-4K-200-C. These new models both feature 4K60, full support for HDCP 2.2, and Control Subnet. Like all DMPS3 Series, they include a built-in IP-based 3-Series Control System. Setup and touch screen control use a web-based configuration tool, with no programming required.
The DMPS3-4K-300-C and DMPS3-4K-200-C offers DigitalMedia technology along with an IP-based 3-Series Control System, 4K/60 multimedia switcher, mic mixer and audio DSP in a single rack mountable package. Crestron says the DMPS3 Series deliver bit-for-bit, zero latency HD video switching and display, including HDCP 2.2 protected content. They are both 4K@60Hz 4:2:0 at 24 bit color depth, 4K@30Hz 4:2:2 at 36 bit color depth or 4K@30Hz 4:4:4 at 24 bit color depth. See the spec links below for more details.
They offer HDMI with built-in scaling so content can be transmitted to any resolution display. In addition to the LAN port, the DMPS3-4K-300-C and DMPS3-4K-200-C each have a built-in Control Subnet port, which enables deployment of a separate DM network. This requires just one IP address to connect the entire system to the LAN.
The DMPS3-4K-200-C and DMPS3-4K-300-C provide, in addition to the built-in audio DSP and codec mixing, breakaway audio routing, surround sound pass-through, six-channel mic mixing and an integrated amplifier with field selectable outputs for preamp, 4/8ohm and 70/100V.
The primary difference between the two models is the DMPS3-4K-300C offers two HDMI outputs and two DM 8G+ (HDBaseT compatible) outputs, while the DMPS3-4K-200-C offers one of each.
Complete specs on the DMPS3-4K-300-C are here and for the DMPS3-4K-200-C, here. Leave a Comment
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Now You Can Do Video over Dante with Visionary Solutions’ PacketAVVisionary Solutions’ new PacketAV Duet is the first platform to deliver Dante connectivity for video. The PacketAV Duet Encoder and Decoder is a ultra-low latency 4K UHD video and Dante over Gigabit Ethernet. With Visionary’s PacketTV and PacketAV products, 4K UHD (30Hz @ 4:2:0), as well as full 1080p HD and lower resolution content can be sent over a GbE network, even sharing space on existing enterprise networks, using standard network protocols and devices. A single network can carry audio, video, and data. Distributed displays and multi-component video walls are configured, and controllers from Crestron, AMX, Extron and other third parties are supported.
Visionary Solutions will be showing the new PacketAV Duet at this year’s ISE Convention, February 7-10, 2017, at the RAI Center in Amsterdam. Visit them at booth 6-K162. Here are all the specs they have right now. Leave a Comment
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KanexPro Adds Active Optical Cable to Product Lineup KanexPro announces what they are calling the Active Optical Cable (AOC) — an HDMI 2.0 cable with Ethernet up to 18 Gbps. The Active Optical Cable accepts the same electrical inputs as traditional copper cables and instead utilizes optical fiber between the connectors to extend HDMI signals with zero loss or latency.
The Active Optical Cable (AOC) from KanexPro specs say uncompressed 4K resolutions with 32 audio channels for multi-dimensional immersive audio with up to 1536 kHz sample frequency for high-quality audio. Available in lengths of 30 meters, 50 meters or 100 meters, the Active Optical Cable has an integrated USB connector to draw power from the display and dynamic synchronization of video and audio streams. KanexPro says the cable supports sub-sampling rates of 4:4:4, 4:2:2 and 4:2:0 YUC with deep color and HDR, the AOC is resistant to EMI and RF interference to provide users with noise-free video and audio. The Active Optical Cable is HDCP compliant and supports wide angle theatrical 21:9 video aspect ratio, 3D and 4Kx2K.
The details on the cable are here. Leave a Comment
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Sony Intros New Receiver, STR-DN1080Sony’s new STR-DN1080 Object Audio Compatible HiFi AV Receiver supports audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X as well as having a “Phantom Surround Back” technology where they claim you can hear 7.1.2 channel speaker sound in a configuration with actual speaker settings with 5.1.2 channel. The receiver also supports a long list of legacy surround formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
To complement this, the STR-DN1080 includes Sony’s latest sound field compensation technology, D.C.A.C. EX, which combines Advanced D.C.A.C.2 with Speaker Relocation. This technology balances output to closely simulate sound as would be produced by optimally positioned and angled speakers — even when the ideal configuration is not possible. The results are nothing short of breathtaking, with the entire sound field seamlessly integrated for outstanding surround sound.
In addition, the STR-DN1080 has six HDMI inputs and two outputs that provide full HDCP 2.2 compliance and supports the latest 4K 60P (4:4:4) Ultra HD content (up to 4096×2160). It can also distribute both 4K video and multichannel audio simultaneously to two different zones. The STR-DN1080 is even compatible with the new BT.2020 wide color gamut broadcast standard.
The STR-DN1080 HiFi Audio Video Receiver will be available Spring 2017 but no price was specified. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: We run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
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Everything we publish is opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship publication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition is co-published with CEDIA, covering the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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