Latest ProAV Headlines: AVIXA Announces New Membership Structure, Barco Intros Innovative New All-in-One Video Wall Product UniSee, Gary Kayye Interviews ZOOM CEO Eric Yuan
Volume 15, Issue 20.2 — October 26, 2017
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Industry News Displays Projection Control & Signal Processing Unified Collaborative Conferencing Audio Cables, Cases, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens & Accessories Media Players, Recording & Distribution Staging & Live Events
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Losing Our Lunch
By Joel Rollins rAVe Columnist
This morning I was involved in testing two of the new virtual reality conferencing environments. As most of you will be painfully aware, the conferencing industry has gone through a number of revolutions in the past decade, from videoconferencing to telepresence to collaboration and now on to VR. At each of them, we tout the fact that we have eliminated some of the problems that came with earlier varieties of distance conferencing. And at each of those points, we have been right. Each of them have eliminated objections to earlier forms of teleconferencing. And the next generation of them is undoubtedly based on virtual reality. And this next generation will affect all areas of the industry, from rental and staging to installations to facility management.
In the early days of videoconferencing, it was a new capability, but was typically installed and used in ways that made it clumsy to use, because it was typically installed on top of existing conference rooms. So we looked down from some height way above the screen into the tops of people’s heads, in both directions. The telepresence movement had us creating dedicated rooms with appropriate placement of equipment and assets to make them more usable and friendly for distance communication. The problem there has always been that the added usability came at a very high cost and that it really only worked well with identically-equipped rooms. The movement to collaboration equipment made it easier for people to share their work, but never really addressed the inequality of the collaboration environments in that not everybody had the same equipment or the same access. The virtual reality environment addresses much of this by placing all participants in the same virtual room with the same virtual set of equipment, equalizing participation capability.
At each of these “phases,” distance participation has been easier to do and has worked better. More and more of the assets that we would have if we were all in the same conference room are available to us and on top of that they all work better. VR meetings put everybody in the meeting on even footing and give everybody the same access to the assets of a meeting room.
One would think that this would spell disaster for both the rental and installation industries, as the requirements to use a virtual conference room are only a computer and the VR headmounted display that will be this year’s most popular Christmas gift. Once those items are in place, environments from “huddle room” configurations to full board room configurations can be made available in virtual space. And, as when any new form of distance communication is introduced, for a time people will talk about the idea that holding group meetings that everyone travels to, or even installing large conference space, is unnecessary anymore.
But we have not yet addressed the thing that all distance conferencing lacks.
Doughnuts.
But I do not say that facetiously. This morning, we all made jokes about the fact that our VR meeting did not allow for us to take a break and have doughnuts or go outside and smoke. In the group I was meeting with, this had always been one of the points where we had side discussions that changed what we were going to say when we went back into the meeting. Those breaks have always been the places where we discussed things that were not on the formal agenda for the meeting.
English language has this great word: serendipity. It means to find an unexpected benefit, as in finding oil while you are prospecting for gold.
In-person meetings, and the shared office in general, have the side benefit of producing ideas and discussions that don’t happen in distance communications. Distance meetings tend to be very efficient, with a published agenda and a “host” who is in charge of making sure that the agenda is completed. People tend to stay on track and in fact this is one of the ideas we have used as an industry for many years to promote the idea of distance meetings.
But they do not promote that lunchtime discussion. The lunch break is transformed from being the time at which we all kick around ideas that were not part of the meeting to a 15-minute break where we all log out and frantically return our email. We have lost our lunch and even more importantly, we have lost the water cooler, where employees and participants from different departments who were not part of the meeting got together. This is the location where people from accounting and people from marketing had impromptu conversations about their issues and often came up with unexpected ideas.
These watercooler conversations have always been part of the uncounted benefit that comes from getting people together. My prediction is that in today’s fast-moving business environment, the lack of this serendipity will be discovered quite quickly. So while I do predict that VR will have an enormous impact on distance conferencing, I don’t think (in the long term) it will change the need for real meeting spaces or real conventions and meetings held in outside spaces or at least not as much as some of the pundits are predicting that it will.
In the meantime, I am going about my business creating virtual meeting spaces for people. But I have decided to equip each virtual meeting room with an outside hallway and a virtual water cooler.
JRR Leave a Comment
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ZOOM Video’s Happiness Principal Drives CEO Eric Yuan — And He Wants You to Be OK with ZOOM Rooms
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
ZOOM Video Communications was the brainchild of WebEx founder Eric Yuan. He wanted to find a way to make people happy using videoconferencing — not frustrated. In six years, it’s gone from his idea to a company with headquarters is in San Jose, Calif. that’s projected to be valued at well over $1 Billion.
And, Yuan is actively involved — even serving coffee from a backpack to users at their recent ZOOMTOPIA event.
At that event, Zoom launched built-in, automatic transcribing of all ZOOM conferences, integration with Workplace by Facebook, more Zoom Room options and even demonstrated holograms in real-time on the Zoom platform.
But Yuan’s customer-centric focus has concerned AV integrators — making them worried that Zoom wants to take their clients away by integrating Zoom Rooms themselves.
I had a sit-down, one-on-one interview with Yuan earlier this month and he addresses all of this — and his happiness principal.
Watch the video here. Leave a Comment
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AVIXA Announces New Membership Structure AVIXA has announced it will roll out a new membership structure to enhance growth opportunities for pro-AV businesses and individuals. As part of AVIXA’s three-year strategic plan, a key initiative is restructuring the membership model to increase member value. When developing the improved program, the association considered many factors, such as various member needs based on location in the world, groups that might consider joining the AV community, and products and services the association currently offers that aren’t being utilized by members. The new membership structure was developed based on feedback from members around the world, AVIXA’s board of directors, the membership committee and staff throughout the association. The hallmark of the new structure is greater flexibility, which allows members to have the experience that fits their professional needs. The new structure will offer three different levels of membership for individuals, providing various benefits, such as free access to shows around the world, eligibility for council membership, access to standards and discounts on education. The top-tier individual membership will provide unlimited access to AVIXA’s online training. Companies can elect to join as enterprise members, with three levels to choose from, plus an option to create a custom enterprise membership. Depending on the level of enterprise membership, companies will have access to a variety of benefits, such as online training for their employees, contract training, discounts on market research, and exhibition space at trade shows. The different levels include varying numbers of individual memberships that can be distributed to employees. “AVIXA provides a community for audiovisual service providers, live events professionals, manufacturers, and technology managers to come together to move the industry forward. It’s the association’s mission to provide the resources needed for AV professionals to thrive,” said Betsy Jaffe, senior vice president, member services, AVIXA. “The new membership offerings will also bring professionals from related industries into conversations about the industry, so we can educate them on the value AV professionals bring to enhancing AV experiences.” The new membership structure will go into effect Jan. 3, 2018. For more information, go here. Leave a Comment
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The World Masters of Projection Mapping to Debut in AmsterdamA new competition dedicated to showcasing the finest in projection mapping has been launched as a cooperative venture between Amsterdam Light Festival, Integrated Systems Events and the RAI Amsterdam.
The World Masters of Projection Mapping competition will take place from 14 January until 9 February 2018. Work from five competing artists will be shown on the facade of EYE Filmmuseum. The creativity of the finalists will be showcased on Thursday 8 February when a panel of judges will decide upon the overall winner of the competition. The following day the winner will be announced on the final day of ISE 2018 at the RAI Amsterdam as part of an exclusive event featuring all finalists. The winning entry and those of the finalists will also be projected onto the EYE Filmmuseum during the Friday evening after ISE 2018 has finished.
The challenge for the artists will be to create a work of video art to be mapped onto the extraordinary three-dimensional architecture of the EYE Filmmuseum, to be experienced from multiple viewpoints. The projection mapping will be fully visible for the public from boats sailing on the IJ, the quay near Central Station and the Amsterdam Tower. The competition will also be streamed in HD, live on the internet.
The World Masters of Projection Mapping competition is an initiative from Amsterdam Light Festival, Integrated Systems Events and RAI Amsterdam. Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual cultural winter event exhibiting tailor-made light artworks on the canals and the former Marineterrein. Integrated Systems Events is the producer of Integrated Systems Europe, the world’s largest Audio Visual and systems integration show. RAI Amsterdam is one of The Netherland’s leading exhibition and conference centres and the long-term home of ISE.
Lennart Booij, artistic director of Amsterdam Light Festival commented: “With this first edition of the World Masters of Projection Mapping we are keen to show the high-quality artistic level of projection mapping combined with the possibilities of technological innovation. This is an outstanding opportunity to display art on one of Amsterdam’s most iconic and spectacular facades: For over four weeks, EYE Filmmuseum will be the canvas for contemporary video art, and accessible for everyone to admire and experience.”
Mike Blackman, ISE’s Managing Director commented: “The addition of the World Masters of Projection Mapping competition to the Amsterdam Light Festival presents the finest in creative, technical and production skills. I believe it will strongly resonate with ISE exhibitors and attendees. The fact that the final will take place during ISE 2018 adds to the excitement. We are delighted to be working with both the RAI and Amsterdam Light Festival on this new venture. Both organisations have a proven track record regarding events in the city of Amsterdam and we are confident that we can make the World Masters of Projection Mapping a great success.”
Paul Riemens, CEO RAI Amsterdam commented: “Connecting people, ideas and visions at RAI Amsterdam creates quality and added value for organiser, exhibitor, visitor and the City of Amsterdam. By opening up our network in the City and supporting communities around events, we generate a platform that will enrich this connection even beyond the event days and liaises to new partners. The World Masters of Projection Mapping is a prime example of ‘connecting’.”Leave a Comment
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Epson Announces 2018 Epson Integrator Certification Expos and New Epson, Education and Enterprise Technology Showcases Epson today announced it will host its annual series of Epson Integrator Certification (EIC) Expos beginning Nov. 1. In addition, this year Epson is launching a new end-user initiative called “EPSON Education & Enterprise: AV & Beyond,” designed to provide attendees with the opportunity to experience business products in a casual showcase setting.
Now in its eighth year, the EIC training takes place in the morning, and continues to provide AV professionals, distributors, resellers, consultants, and installers with hands-on insight into current Epson installation and corporate projection solutions through in-person trainings with the company’s engineering and product staff. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with AV industry leaders during the event’s partner exhibit.
The EPSON Education & Enterprise showcase begins after the EIC training, and provides potential and existing customers with an opportunity to experience a range of Epson business solutions, including augmented reality eyewear, printers and scanners, in addition to projection solutions.
Following are the confirmed dates and locations for these events – the EIC trainings will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the EPSON Education & Enterprise showcase will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.:
- Chicago – Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017 at Soldier Field
- Toronto – Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 at Woodbine Racetrack
- New York – Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017 at MetLife Stadium
- Seattle – Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017 at CenturyLink Field
Manufacturing partners will also be represented at EIC, including Chief, Da-Lite, Vaddio, C2G, Middle Atlantic, Conen Mounts, Show Sage (Dataton), BMS, Atlona and ClearOne. Presentations will be based off topics suggested by event attendees surveyed during registration.
Gary Kayye, founder of rAVe Publications, will be the keynote speaker at all U.S. events, with a presentation at 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. In addition to writing about commercial and residential audiovisual products, Kayye has more than 25 years of experience working with tech companies, including Cisco, NEC, HP, InFocus and Sony, and has been the keynote speaker at over 300 technology shows and events.
“Every year, Epson provides those that attend the EIC events with the firm understanding and confidence to make the best recommendations for their customers, as well as equip them with answers to technical questions to enhance their customer’s overall projection experience,” said Michael Cho, CTS – senior engineer, Epson America, Inc. “The introduction of the EPSON Education & Enterprise showcase to our EIC events will be a fantastic extension of this training program, to instill a firmer understanding of Epson’s offerings at a global scale.”
Epson will highlight the following products at this year’s events:
- Large Venue Projectors: The Pro L-Series large venue laser projectors leverage Epson’s proprietary 3LCD technology and integrated laser light source to deliver spectacular image quality. Featuring a lamp-free laser light source, projectors offer 20,000 hours of virtually maintenance-free operation1, Instant On/Off, absolute Black contrast ratio, and a wide color gamut for brilliant, color-rich performance.
- Ultra-Short Throw Laser Presentation Display: BrightLink Pro 1470Ui is the world’s first interactive 3LCD laser display for corporate use, and works on nearly any flat surface, transforming it into an interactive finger and touch enabled digital. Designed to change the way technologies, people and their ideas converge into one seamless digital experience, the BrightLink Pro offers up to a 100-inch diagonal display size to enhance and provide clear readability for increased productivity and collaboration, making it the ideal collaboration solution for the modern meeting room.
- Business Printing: WorkForce enterprise, powered by PrecisionCore® Line Head Technology, delivers breakthrough speed and brilliant-quality output.
- Business Document Scanners: Epson offers a wide range of document scanners ideal for a variety of business needs. Whether in a standalone or workgroup environment, or requiring a networkable, portable, or wireless solution, Epson has the right solution.
- T-Series Wide-Format Printing: Epson SureColor T-Series wide-format plotters are available in single-function or multifunction, and companies can easily add components to the configuration as they grow and printing needs evolve.
- On-Demand Label Printers: Epson ColorWorks on-demand color label printers deliver a wide range of full-color labeling applications, offering dependable, commercial inkjet printing with fast-drying, durable color inks.
- Augmented Reality Smart Glasses: Moverio smart headsets designed for the workplace.
- Robotics: Epson’s wide variety of industrial robots offer reliable solutions to help manufacturers reduce production costs and improve product quality.
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NSCA Launches IGNITE Career CenterNSCA is excited to announce the launch of the IGNITE Career Center, an extension of the IGNITE program that was first unveiled at the 2016 Business & Leadership Conference to attract new talent to the commercial technology industry.
In addition to arming integration firms and consultants with marketing and promotional materials to use at job fairs and share with students who are considering a move to the industry, IGNITE now offers another benefit: a new job board and online career center. The IGNITE job board allows Gold and Platinum NSCA members to post unlimited numbers of job openings. The new online platform also includes information about:
- Career resources, including ESPA certification, scholarships and on-the-job learning
- Connecting high school and college students with integrators and manufacturers
- Resources available to help employers communicate the benefits and opportunities available in our industry to students and young professionals
“Integrators now have all the tools necessary to approach school administrators and interested students at all levels,” says Chuck Wilson, NSCA executive director. “Whether integrators need access to tools that help gauge proficiency before they hire, a place to post current positions to attract the most qualified candidates possible, or materials to speak at a job fair about industry opportunities, all of these things are available in the IGNITE Career Center.”
A group of 90+ industry ambassadors is spreading the word about IGNITE, reaching out to STEM programs and technical schools to communicate the industry career paths available.
“Employee retention is a significant challenge – 68% of HR professionals are experiencing difficulty recruiting candidates for full-time positions across all fields – not just our industry. Vying for talent is only going to get harder as more Baby Boomers retire. The challenge we have now is hiring, mentoring, and training young professionals – who share our passion and drive – to run the companies that many of us have put so much heart into creating. This drove the idea behind IGNITE – helping passionate, creative business owners find new, young talent that is excited to join our industry,” says Kelly Perkins, marketing communications manager at AVI Systems.
To learn more about the IGNITE Career Center, funded by the NSCA Education Foundation, go here. Leave a Comment
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Barco Enters LCD Video Wall with Solution That Even Includes the Mount
Barco is building its new UniSee direct-view LCDs, aimed at the video wall market, in Taiwan. And because the new UniSee line is aimed at simplifying the installation of LCD video walls, Barco has also custom-designed a UniSee mount that, the company says, guarantees less than a 1.09-millimeter separation between pixels from one monitor to the next (the smallest LCD video wall on the market now is about 3 millimeters) as well as ensures that one person can install an entire wall by him or herself.
Barco UniSee is a bezel-less LCD video wall (as I mentioned earlier, 1.09-mm from pixel to pixel between tiles/LCDs, but there is no actual bezel) with bi-directional communications designed to allow for intra-tile uniformity, brightness and optimal colorimetry. Barco is branding its bezel-less design as NoGap.
In addition to guaranteeing the smallest possible gap without damaging the panels’ edges, Barco has created the UniSee Mount: a creative mounting structure that uses the power of gravity to automatically align panels. Because it’s a mount that’s specifically designed for the UniSee, that’s how they made it so they can be installed without a lot of effort and by one person — it’s purpose-built and Lego-like.
Barco also says that Sense X − its automatic and real-time color and brightness calibration system − is what allows the wall to produce a balanced image at all times, even if a panel needs to be replaced. Barco has also re-engineered the design of the panels to counter all possible variations in brightness from the center to the edges. The result is intra-tile and inter-tile uniformity.
Because the LCD video wall is often part of a business-critical application, Barco has taken all possible measures to ensure optimal uptime. The platform is built in such a way that it can easily be diagnosed and serviced. The software platform (UniSee Connect) that manages the entire video wall automatically assigns and calibrates the panels and acts as the single point of connection for remote diagnostics and control. The panel, itself, is spec’d at 100,000 hours light source lifetime.
The panel is a 55” direct-view LCD, specified at 800 nits. I spoke to Barco’s Hans Dekeyser,VP sales enterprise this morning on rAVe RADIO and got the exclusive scoop behind the product the reason for the concept and how it’s different than any other video wall product on the market right now. You can listen to that here.
You can see the entire UniSee line here and it will be distributed by both Starin and Almo Pro A/V in North America but Barco has not released plans for distbution in the rest of the world yet.
One UniSee panel, including the mount, cabling and included five-year warranty, will list for $8,500. Barco says it will be available before the end of the year.
rAVe editor Sara Abrons is in New York City at the live launch. You can see an interview she did with UniSee designer Tom Dewaele here.
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Epson Intros PowerLite 2000-Series Wireless and Portable Projectors Epson today announced the PowerLite 2247U, 2142W, and 2042 – three new wireless, portable projectors that are designed to excel in a variety of environments, including rooms with lots of ambient lighting. The PowerLite 2000-Series is aimed at higher education, corporations, and houses of worship. In addition, the new series features a compact and versatile form factor for portability or installation, and comes equipped with enterprise level security.
Epson projectors feature 3-chip LCD technology and inputs include MHL and HDMI as well as network ports. The high-end PowerLite 2247U and 2142W models offer wireless screen mirroring from a smartphone or streaming device using Miracast. The PowerLite 2142W is native WXGA (1280×800) resolution, and the PowerLite 2247U is WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution. In addition, the PowerLite 2042 with XGA (1024×768) resolution provides 4,400 lumens of color brightness and 4,400 lumens of white brightness. The PowerLite 2247U and 2142W models provide 4,200 lumens of color brightness and 4,200 lumens of white brightness. All of the projectors are spec’d to allow for 12,000 hours operation in ECO Mode.
The PowerLite 2247U will be available in November, and the PowerLite 2142W, and PowerLite 2042 models will be available in December. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Christie Debuts DWU630-GS Projector, Aims at Higher EdSpecified to operate for 20,000 hours, the new DWU630-GS from Christie is a native WUXGA (1920×1200) resolutions 1-chip DLP projector that outputs 6700 ISO and 6,000 ANSI lumens. Using a blue laser phosphor light source, the DWU630-GS is aimed at the higher education markets but can be used nearly everywhere, to be frank. It includes two HDMI (1.4) ports, one DVI and VGA port and has HDBaseT as well as a network content port.
Featuring Christie RealBlack technology for solid-state illumination, the DWU630-GS produces a 4,000,000:1 full on/off contrast ratio. It ships this month and here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Gefen Shipping 4K Ultra HD 600 MHz 8×8 Matrix Gefen from Core Brands today announced that it is now shipping the new 4K Ultra HD 600 MHz 8×8 Matrix for HDMI, which supports 18.2 Gbps of bandwidth and 600 MHz TMDS Clock frequency.
Capable of handling the HDMI 2.0 standard, the 4K Ultra HD 600 MHz 8×8 Matrix routes eight 4K sources to eight 4K displays, and supports resolutions up to 4K Cinema-DCI (4096×2160 up to 60 Hz, 4:4:4), 4K Ultra HD (3860×2160 up to 60 Hz, 4:4:4) with HDR, 1080p Full HD, and WUXGA (1920×1200). It also supports HDCP 2.2 and 1.4, 3DTV pass-through and Lip Sync pass-through.
In addition, the Matrix features analog and digital audio outputs that break out the audio stream (two channel analog, two channel PCM, and up to 5.1 channel Bitstream) from each HDMI source, allowing the de-embedded audio content to be sent to external amplifiers and music distribution systems for added impact in bars, restaurants, clubs, etc.
Digital audio is passed through, including 7.1 channels of LPCM and HBR (High Bit Rate) digital audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X and DTSHD Master Audio.
Gefen EXT-UHD-600A-88 matrix is housed in a 2U tall, rack mountable enclosure that can also be placed on a shelf. Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Barco’s weConnect Relaunches as Cloud-Based Digital Platform (aka AVaaS)Barco today launched the updated weConnect 1.2. But the big story here is in the details that are buried in the press release. The collaborative cloud-based learning solution is aimed at higher education and now has two new use cases and new upgrades.
- Adding interactive huddle space and lecture hall as brand-new use cases
- Modular cloud-based solution which enables customers to customize rooms
weConnect expands its possibilities to premium huddle spaces and lecture halls next to connected classrooms and collaboration rooms. Adding these two new use cases, Barco enables universities to implement the BYOD-centered active learning solution in different set ups all over the campus, where teachers and students can collaborate and interact, using their own devices and connecting to the system via the campus Wi-Fi.
Another cool new feature of weConnect is called Quiz me, quick. This particular upgrade takes classroom interactivity and collaboration to the next level by introducing silent questions, as well as launching quizzes and polls in under five seconds in all classrooms. But here’s the big news (read carefully!!!): weConnect 1.2 will be offered as a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), subscription-based business model enabled by Barco’s new web-based Digital Engagement Platform. This platform will be open to US-based partners and customers from today onwards and in a later stage in countries in Europe. It will serve as a digital collaborative portal allowing them to manage their subscriptions in an easy and efficient way.
In other words, AVaaS — AV as a Service, yes, AV as a Service. This will allow integrators to get recurring revenue — even when the customer/school buys the service or products from Barco. So even though the school can, technically, add users and functionality through the cloud using Barco’s Digital Engagement Platform, Barco will still reward the dealer for the relationship (and sale).
Currently, the weConnect platform can be specified and ordered in four different configurations: Collaboration Rooms, Classrooms, Lecture Halls and Interactive Huddle Spaces. Each can be specified and designed via Barco’s online Digital Engagement Platform here. Barco’s weConnect 1.2 also offers innovative, flexible configuration, which gives universities the opportunity to adapt the classrooms depending on the lecture needs. Automatic reconfiguration, the possibility to add overflow rooms and room role options add a new dynamic to the room management on campus. Ease-of-use and intuitive interfaces guide facility managers and teachers with confidence towards the classroom they need, adapted to the way they teach. And, now, weConnect includes single sign-in! Barco’s collaborative learning solution uses the physical infrastructure of the existing campus network. With the upgrade it offers a custom university URL and allows a Single Sign-on. Barco’s weConnect is here. Leave a Comment
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TrueConf Does 4K Ultra HD Video Conferencing NowTrueConf has announced full support for 4K point-to-point video calls in 3840×2160 resolution. Ultra HD video calls are available in TrueConf 7.2 application for Windows.
To run video calls in Ultra HD quality, both participants need to use 6th generation Intel Core i7+ processor-based PC, a 4K webcam, an Ultra HD monitor and a high-speed network connection (8 Mbps in both directions). If these system requirements are met, the client application will automatically switch to 4K resolution (3840 × 2160 at 30 fps).
For more details, go here. Leave a Comment
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Lenovo Launches ThinkSmart 500 Skype Room SystemLenovo just announced a new device aimed at the conference room. It’s called the ThinkSmart Hub 500 and it’s a Skype room systems device that manages collaboration within meeting rooms. With the ability to connect remote and local participants to Skype for Business meetings and shared content, it was developed in cooperation with Microsoft. The Smart Hub 500 is an all-in-one device, with a 360-degree rotatable 11.6-inch display and runs Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise.
Lenovo says ThinkSmart Hub 500 is simple to manage and can make any space a Skype for Business meeting place. Featuring Dolby Audio sound experience, 360-degree array microphones and a touch display to control the meeting and large external displays, the Skype Room Systems purpose built device is the ideal conference companion for huddle and medium-sized meeting rooms.
Here are the details we know so far – it won’t ship until late Q4 2017. Leave a Comment
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DPA Microphones Introduces New Amplifier Technology Called CORE DPA has just launched CORE, a new amplifier technology that lives within its line of miniature lavalier and headset microphones.
Looking to minimize distortion as well as increase the dynamic range, or workable area, of its d:screet and d:fine lines of microphones, DPA developed this new amplifier to create an even clearer sound from the highest of the highs to the lowest of the lows. The dynamic range has been expanded in all ‘CORE’ miniature capsules. For example, the dynamic range of the d:screet 4061 and the d:fine 4066 has been increased by 14 dB at 1 percent THD. DPA says that CORE technology gives the microphones a more clear and open sound in the whole level range.
Located in the capsule of its miniature mics, CORE is currently available in the d:screet 4060, d:screet 4061, d:fine 4066 and d:fine 4088 mics. Microphones purchased with the new technology will come in CORE packaging and will have a blue label near the serial number on the cable to differentiate between these and the original versions. A very discreet laser engraving stating ‘core’ has been incorporated at the microphone capsule as well. The remaining d:screet and d:fine microphones and full range of color options will be available with CORE technology in early 2018.
The new ‘CORE’ omnidirectional microphones will also provide water and moisture resistance through nano coating and hermetic sealing of the sensitive electronics.
All of CORE’s specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Alcons Extends Coverage Of The QR24 Line-Source ColumnThe QR24/110 is a modular two-way column loudspeaker to be used as scalable vertical array system, for both permanent and (limited) portable applications. It combines a 1:1 linear and dynamic sound reproduction with superb intelligibility and throw, in even the acoustically most challenging environments. The symmetrical acoustic design, in combination with the wide, patented 110-degree horizontal dispersion of the RBN High Frequency drivers (all the way up to 20 kHz), offers a coherent horizontal pattern control with seamless coverage; this widens the “stereo sweet spot” significantly, for the off-axis positioned audience.
By using only two 12″ RBN pro-ribbon transducers for the mid-high frequencies, the system’s 90 percent active frontal radiation results in a sharply-controlled vertical dispersion. This offers a unique, SPL-independent intelligibility-over-distance, without the necessity of DSP-based beam-shaping.
The flat frequency response and the fast transient response of the RBN mid-high frequency transducers, in combination with the sharply controlled dispersion, brings a maximum “gain-before-feedback” up to directly in front of / under the system. Each purpose-designed RBN1203 12″ pro-ribbon driver has a peak power handling of 2.000W (200 millisecond), creating a virtually infinite system MHF headroom of 4.000W from 1kHz up.
The low-mids are taken care of by 4x high-excursion, vented 6.5″ transducers, which are co-axially mounted behind the pro-ribbon drivers, delivering a frequency response of 74 Hz — 20.000 Hz (-3dB). The controlled (cylindrical) projection can be extended down to the lower frequencies by enlarging the array length through adding extra QR/QM modules (extending the “near field”). Up to two QR24 units can be combined on a single tripod stand, forming a 1.32-meter / 52-inch tall array; in flown configuration, up to 11 cabinets QR24 can be connected, with the integrated flying hardware under a safety-rating of 10:1, forming arrays of more than 7 meters / 24 feet tall.
The passive filtering allows multiple modules to be combined on one amplifier channel, up to three units. The QR24/110 is powered and controlled by the ALC amplified loudspeaker controller; Through the integrated processing and feedback, the ALC offers QR24-specific drive processing with optimal response and reliability and utmost user-friendliness.
The Signal Integrity Sensing pre-wiring dynamically compensates for speaker cable/connector influences between the QR24 and ALC; This offers a 1:1, undistorted, natural sound reproduction, regardless of cable length and amplifier impedance load (system damping factor 10.000).
The QR24 is also available as QR24/80, with 80-degree horizontal dispersion and can be combined with the QR24/110 in the same array. Certified EASE data for the QR24’s with a 1-degree resolution accuracy is available on the Alcons website.
You an find Alcons here. Leave a Comment
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HARMAN Pro Ships JBL Professional 7 Series Powered Monitors HARMAN Professional Solutions today announced JBL Professional 7 Series Powered studio monitors are now shipping. The new JBL 705P and 708P self-powered models deliver superb imaging and neutral response in any room.
The 7 Series Powered studio monitors feature newly developed JBL high- and low-frequency transducers driven by dual 250-watt power amplifiers to deliver what JBL says is two-to-three times the output of conventional studio monitors, as well as exceptional dynamic range for demanding music and film production applications. Proprietary JBL waveguide technology provides neutral response and room-to-room consistency, while built-in room EQ solves common low-frequency issues. The system includes balanced analog and AES/EBU inputs for connecting to a broad range of sources. A HARMAN HiQnet Network port is provided for future upgrades.
When combined with the JBL Intonato 24 monitor management and tuning system, 7 Series monitors offer an exceptional monitoring platform for audio mix control of all sizes. Intonato 24 simplifies monitor system setup while offering precise automated calibration and complete control of monitor systems in stereo, surround and immersive-audio configurations. Intonato 24 includes a calibration microphone and innovative Automated Speaker Calibration process that tunes each 7 Series speaker to compensate for speaker placement and room acoustics, delivering a neutral response to the mix position — even in less-than-ideal workspaces. The elegant Intonato Desktop Controller provides instant access to Intonato 24’s master volume, scenes, mute and solo, bass management, aux send and talkback capabilities.
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B-Tech Launches New Range of Universal LED Mounting Solutions B-Tech has responded to growing demand for hassle-free mounting of today’s LED panels with the launch of a new universal LED mounting range. Designed to work with the most popular LED panels on the market, B-Tech’s LED mounting solutions can be specified to requirement using B-Tech’s online LED configuration tool – available here.
Using their System X technology at its core, the new range can be ordered for wall mounting, mobile and fixed base applications. Using off-the-shelf components means that solutions can be packaged and shipped quickly, with B-Tech staff pre-assembling all key components to save installers on-site time.
All key mounting requirements are met, with solutions for wall mounting, freestanding, mobile (on castors) and bolt down now available.
Key features include:
- Suitable for front service or rear access panels
- Silver aluminum, with black or silver upright color choice
- Universal design suitable for variety of LED panels and configurations
- System can be extended to any required width for large installations
- Easily specified for any display configuration using B-Tech’s online configurator
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Control4 Ships New Pakedge S3 Series Switches for Layer 2 and Layer 3 Routing in Professional AV Applications Control4 Corporation announces the Pakedge S3L-24P Layer 3 Lite Switch and the updated S3-24P Layer 3 Switch, both with Avnu-certification and support for quick setup for DanteTM and Q-LAN technology.
Support of time-synchronization technologies such as Audio Video Bridging (AVB)/Time Sensitive Networking, Dante, and Q-LAN provides professional AV integrators with an interoperable platform providing seamless management for performance-sensitive audio and video applications. The Pakedge S3 Series switches feature 24 Gigabit PoE+ capable ports, and four dedicated 10Gb SFP+ ports for increased throughput and faster reliable transmission of audio and video streams. Both switches support high-density network traffic with Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching functionalities, as well as static routing, IGMP v1/2/3, Audio over IP and Quality of Service (QoS). The switches support advanced IGMP Snooping for superior Video over IP streaming across complex AV networks.
The S3L-24P supports a quick setup configuration for the industry-leading audio video networking technologies including AVB, Dante and Q-LAN, enabling a straight-forward setup process for even the most complex AV networks. Pro AV networks are known for being complex. The S3L-24P minimizes complexity with simplified, quick setup configurations, via the two-step processes that AVB, Dante and Q-LAN enable, reducing installation time and implementation costs.
If a network requires the use of more than one pro AV protocol, such as the combination of AVB with Dante, the pro AV quick setup on the S3L-24P smartly adjusts to allow coexistence on the same switch without interference between the protocols.
The S3L-24P delivers lite Layer 3 functionality and features needed for pro AV and smaller commercial AV installations like recording studios and conference rooms. The updated S3-24P suits larger AV installations, such as corporate campuses, retail centers, or concert venues. The S3-24P delivers complete Layer 3 functionality with additional dynamic routing for greater isolation and control, as well as a greater capacity for IP routing entries, IPv4 multicast groups, multicast entries, and AVB streams.
The S3L-24P Layer 3 Lite Switch is now available at $2,200 list, and firmware version 2.0.0 is now available for the S3-24P Full Layer 3 Switch, which has a $4,800 list.
Here is Control4 and here is Pakedge. Leave a Comment
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DVIGear Launches 4K HyperLight DisplayPort CablesDVIGear has introduced its HyperLight Series – Active Optical Cables (AOC) for 4K resolution applications. These cables support the extension of DisplayPort 1.4 signals with aggregate data rates up to 32.4 Gbps. (HBR3) and are HDCP 1.4 / 2.2 compliant. They support resolutions up to 8K / 30Hz (4:4:4) for cable lengths up to 50 meters (164 feet) and 4K / 60Hz (4:4:4) for cables up to 100 meters (328 feet).
Constructed using a hybrid design of four POF (Polyfluorinated Optical Fiber) and six copper wires, plenum-rated HyperLight cables are rugged, lightweight and highly flexible, with a minimum bend radius of just two millimeters. The cables have two removable DisplayPort docking connectors may be detached, revealing a connector cross-section that measures just 10 by 12.4 millimeters. The docking connectors include a locking pin plus an optional pulling sleeve, make the cables easy to install in narrow conduits or in plenum air spaces.
The high speed DisplayPort signals are transmitted over four optical fibers, which DVIGear says make them immune to interference from environmental noise. The optical transmission path provides a very low RFI / EMI profile, which allows the cables to be installed in sensitive applications with strict security requirements. The cables draw power from the connected DisplayPort source, eliminating the need for an external power supply. These cables are available now in a wide range of cable lengths up to 100 meters (328 feet).
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Delvcam Introduces a 4K Media Player With 10 HDMI Outputs Delvcam has introduced the DELV-4KMP110 Media Player with ten 3840×2160@60Hz HDMI outputs and an Android 6.0.1 operating system. Delvcam says that at 2160p, the subsampling rate is 4:4:4 at 30fps and 4:2:0 at 60fps.
The Delvcam DELV-4KMP110 media player allows for video source selection between its built in 500GB SATA hard drive, a USB stick or a HDMI input feed from a camera or recorder. It also has built-in Wi-Fi to bring in video streams from the Internet. USB ports can be utilized to add a keyboard and mouse to simplify browser based searching.
The DELV-4KMP110 Media Player features a 2.2 GHz eight-core GPU with 2GB of RAM and includes IR remote control, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections as well as ten HDMI outputs with a maximum resolution of 4Kx2K@60Hz. Supporting multiple video and audio formats, the Delvcam Media Player can be used for audio/video playback, gaming, digital signage, classroom instruction and point-of-sale displays.
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PreSonus Expands Control Surface Offerings With FaderPort 16 PreSonus’ latest is the FaderPort control surface series. The FaderPort 16 Mix Production Controller connects via USB 2.0 to provide precise tactile control over users’ favorite DAW’s mix and automation functions, including complete transport control. The new control surface offers full level, solo and mute control over 16 channels at once, with 16 touch-sensitive, motorized, 100 millimeter faders and 89 buttons covering 102 different functions. Quickly zoom in on audio files for editing, adjust a click-track tempo with a simple tap, modify plug-in parameters, manage aux mixes and control track levels with the touch of a finger.
The FaderPort 16’s unique Session Navigator provides easy access to eight mission-critical functions for maximum flexibility. Dedicated buttons are provided to instantly arm all tracks for recording, control mutes and Solo Clear, view only the tracks, buses and VCAs users want to see and more. Four programmable user buttons let users quickly and easily access favorite functions. Large, illuminated buttons make finding the needed function quick and easy. Sixteen high-definition digital scribble strips provide visual feedback.
Streamlined workflow and support for the Mackie Control and HUI protocols make it fast and easy to control virtually any DAW. No driver installation is necessary; just plug the control surface into a USB port to take command of the mix and plug-ins.
When used with Studio One, the FaderPort 16 is allows a user to bypass all the plug-ins on any track with one button-press and open the Channel Editor and enable faders to control each channel’s custom macro. The Control Link feature so that the Pan/Param encoder can follow the mouse, providing instant hands-on control of any parameter — or lock the encoder to the current parameter. The Session Navigator can be used to quickly scroll through the different sections in the Arranger track and more.
The FaderPort 16 will list for $999.95. Here are the details. 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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