Volume 16, Issue 10.1 — May 16, 2018
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Editorial
- The Value of Time
Dr. Frederick Ampel : President & Principal, Technology Visions Analytics Editorial
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Industry News Unified Collaborative Conferencing Audio Control & Signal Processing Media Players, Recording & Distribution Digital Signage Cables, Cases, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens & Accessories
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The Value of Time
By Dr. Frederick Ampel President & Principal, Technology Visions Analytics
As a part of keeping up with global business trends and events, I subscribe to several on-line feeds from industry and economic publications. These feeds including the Financial Times, Bloomberg and so forth are a great way to get the highlights of activities around the world that may be impacting our little corner of the global economy.
Recently one of these publications, as an incentive to subscribe to the full package of their content, sent out free copies of Anthony Iannarino’s recent book, “The Lost Art of Closing.”
It’s unusual for something to show up with any genuinely useful ideas, but Iannarino’s book is one of those.
Now a freebie is a freebie, so I flipped through the book looking for anything useful. Full disclosure — I am NOT a big fan of business self-help books or how to be a better salesperson publications. I find most of those to be so general and full of simplistic answers as to be largely impotent. In fact, a large number of the 400+ B2B selling books listed on your favorite online bookstore would probably make a great 1000 word magazine article, but are not worth a 250-page, $30 book.
When you decide to buy or read one of these, first check the author’s “street creds.” Have they actually sold something to someone or just write books about how to do it?
Do You Value Your Client’s Time?
The nugget that popped out of Iannarino’s book was actually one that I have included in various forms in sales training classes for quite a while but he coalesced into something a bit more focused and perhaps more succinct.
The key aspect of this whole rAVe article’s topic is to understand who our salespeople really are and understand why they might not immediately grasp this concept. The reality is that the majority of sales personnel deployed by our industry come from the technical side of things — not all but a large majority.
They need that knowledge base to make the complex systems and technology we are offering understandable to our non-technically educated clients.
Some manage to blend their technical expertise with a real grasp of the whole selling flow-chart, but many do not quite get the entire transactional process that must take place to be successful.
They can explain the system, the design, the hardware and do it professionally. But what is often missing is an understanding that the client’s time is of real value to both them and the client.
The failure to recognize that just getting the meeting means the client has committed a resource of value — their time — to the process is an essential concept. Unfortunately it a concept all too often not fully perceived and thus not fully weighted in the whole interactive dance that is a sales presentation.
You Bill, But So Do We
This value of time concept was brought home to me recently when reading some comments on an industry blog. Someone was lamenting losing a sale because they found out that the client rejected their proposal because they didn’t charge for the time to prepare it. The client felt (and in my opinion rightly so) that if the integrator didn’t value their own time, they wouldn’t value the client’s either.
One of the things I learned over the last 40+ years is that every one has a value perception and that, in their own way, they assign a value to their time. If you and your sales /design team don’t recognize this GOING IN to a project meeting, you will more than likely create a perception that you don’t know or understand the whole value equation. This is a bad start!
The client assigns a monetary value to their time. This is a given, even if it’s not stated. They also expect that you do the same.
This is why we have always taken the approach that we are happy to have a brief phone chat about their needs, but if they want to sit down and discuss things, want a preliminary proposal or want to discuss details, that is billable time. If they have a problem with that, it is likely you will have a problem with getting paid for your work, so carefully consider whether it’s worth taking the meeting. Sometimes you have to say no.
Think about it this way: if you make an appointment with a doctor, lawyer or a plumber, during which actual work might be performed or services rendered, do you expect that to be free? They certainly don’t. In fact most “trade” pros charge a trip fee, even if they don’t actually do anything. They value their time and you should too. The time they spend with you is revenue time, from you or somebody else so time really is money!
Market Evolution and Value Perception
This whole concept has become even more important as the industry’s “buyers and authorizers,” those with purchase power evolve from the traditional management folks into the IT departments. On average the IT people are younger, often better educated, quicker on the uptake for technical details and very quick to judge whether or not you know what the hell you are talking about. They have a lot of stuff on their plate, and thus they want to be perceived as competent, reach a solution, and be the hero to their management. By that I mean they resolved the problem, achieved the goal within budget, on time and efficiently. This adds whole layers to the “time is money” value equation scenario.
With this population, it is essential to recognize that there must be palpable value to be gained for them in taking the meeting. You cannot assume that because you are presenting a product as a solution that such information in and of itself is of value. IT IS NOT!
If it’s not obvious to you that any hardware is a commodity to the client, one they can shop around for, it should be. They know that a black box for some functionality is just that. It’s the value that YOU add to that box in a system and problem/solution package that matters, and is what will have measureable value to them.
You have to constantly consider, proactively, what value you are providing in exchange for the time invested — by the client, as well as your own. Boiled down, your relationship initially and long term with any client is super-glued to the value they perceive from the time they spend working with you and your team — EVERY member of your team that comes into contact with the client.
If they all don’t radiate “value” to the customer you have, or will have, a problem. This applies to your own people as well as any sub-contractors or specialists you recommend or supply. They will all be judged and will reflect on your value.
Establish the Framework
Most sales meeting start off slightly askew. That is they don’t start with defining and clearly elucidating three things:
- What does the client think they want?
- How do they expect you to provide that solution?
- What does the client actually need to achieve their goal? (Redefining the want)
It is essential that all three points be clarified and a cohesive and workable answer results from the meeting. If you leave anything “till later” it will come back to haunt you and more than likely cause delays, confusion and dissatisfaction.
Taking the time to assume you have all the needed info is time that has value to you and if you present it correctly has value to the client as well. Something as simple as: “Can we review what we have decided and agree that the solution, proposals, and project definition meet all your needs?” is a question well worth the time.
Do not take for granted that because you got the deal that you have all the information. You must ask and ask again to verify that what you think you heard is what they actually said and that what they said is what they actually meant.
Reaching All of the Stakeholders
I am a firm believer in the follow-up memo, one that restates everything discussed at a meeting, in clear, concise and non-technical language and requires a sign off to verify that all stakeholders, especially those that weren’t at the meeting, to agree to the process as presented. It only takes one “I didn’t approve that” down the line to discombobulate the whole project. If you not sure you who know who all those people are, ASK who has to approve things and be sure to ask again to verify you have all the players defined.
The cost of the time you spend to do this will show to the client you have their concerns in mind and that you understand the need to satisfy all needs, even those which are often unspoken. This is real value. Leave a Comment
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Barco’s Overture Dilemma
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
At least year’s ISE show in Amsterdam, Barco officially launched itself into a (potentially) competitive fight with the likes of Crestron, AMX, Extron, Kramer and Utelogy. How? Well, they launched a pre-packaged network-based AND browser-based control system they are calling Overture.
But, Overture didn’t appear out thin air. In fact, Barco telegraphed its entry into the control system market when they purchased Medialon back in 2016. Originally aimed at live events, Medialon’s system was starting to catch on in the educational space with a room-based system and Barco, no doubt, saw the synergy between that and its highly-successful ClickShare product line. So Barco bought Medialon.
So, what is Overture and how does it work? Watch this.
So, how’s Overture doing so far? Not well.
In fact, not only has it not caught on in the commercial AV world yet, but you’d be hard-pressed to find any facility-wide adopters anywhere. The AV integrator channel has, so far, rejected it as not robust enough to compete with the likes of the big-three control system companies and not as progressed as the software-centric Utelogy platform.
So, is Overture a dud?
Nope. Overture’s problem isn’t hardware or software. It’s Barco. As successful as Barco’s been at selling the hardware-based ClickShare in staggering numbers (they announced over 300,000 systems since its launch only six years ago), they’ve been equally unsuccessful at marketing the software-based Overture control platform to that same market.
Yes, the same market.
The same AV buyers and users who were frustrated at how complicated it was to integrate BYOD (bring your own device) products like iPhones and tablets into the meeting room back in 2013 and lauded the ClickShare for its simplicity are saying they are frustrated with custom-based control platforms like those from Crestron and AMX. So, even though Barco has a built-in market for simplified, pre-configured control options, they can’t sell it.
But, there’s a simple solution to the Overture problem: Integrate it into ClickShare.
If Barco integrated the Overture control platform into ClickShare, the company would see traction. And, they’d have the potential of some 300,000 instant-adopters — or, at the very least, a built-in sales channel of ClickShare users.
So Barco, what are you waiting for? Leave a Comment
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VESA Rolls Out DisplayHDR Test Tool for HDR Display Performance Verification Aimed at Professional Users
The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) today released a new DisplayHDR test tool that allows users to confirm the display parameters set forth in VESA’s High-Performance Monitor and Display Compliance Test Specification (DisplayHDR), including brightness, color and contrast performance of high dynamic range (HDR) laptop and desktop monitors. The new DisplayHDR Test tool has a command line interface that enables professional and lab-level users to test and evaluate HDR displays at the three performance levels outlined in the DisplayHDR spec using an off-the-shelf calibration colorimeter. VESA also announced today that it has seen strong momentum in the adoption of its DisplayHDR standard, with several new certified displays being introduced this calendar quarter.
Announced in December 2017, DisplayHDR is the display industry’s first fully open standard specifying HDR quality. To date, nearly a dozen displays have been certified under the new spec across the three performance tiers (DisplayHDR 400, 600 and 1000) and released to the market. Among these is the first display to be officially certified for the DisplayHDR 1000 specification — the recently announcedPhilips Momentum 43-inch 4K display (436M6VBPAB). VESA anticipates many more display products to complete certification this year. Future releases of the spec are expected to reach beyond LCD to address other display technologies, including organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), as well as higher HDR performance levels. All tiers require support of the industry standard HDR-10 format.
To verify HDR display performance, the DisplayHDR Test tool projects the display patterns defined in the published VESA DisplayHDR certification tests onto the screen. The user then points a self-provided colorimeter at the test patterns and uses the colorimeter’s software to measure and record the display’s capabilities. These results can be entered into a separate program to compute the final score and make an accurate assessment. Future versions of the test application may drive the sensor in the test tool and compute the score directly.
Chas Boyd, principal program manager with Microsoft Corp., noted that the DisplayHDR Test tool app has an important role to play, in concert with the specification, to help drive adoption of HDR technology. “HDR is still not well understood by consumers, and there exists a unique opportunity to educate and drive awareness in the market regarding the entry point for HDR,” said Boyd. “Using this tool will allow those considering moving to HDR monitors to assess the quality for themselves and encourage them to make the leap.”
“As a leading monitor controller manufacturer, MStar provides a broad range of chip sets that enable consumers to experience the latest immersive display technologies, such as HDR, in their end products. Working within the VESA organization, we have teamed up with key players across the display ecosystem to establish a shared, open HDR standard for the PC industry that ensures all of the key display components involved in enabling HDR work together, including the panel, GPU, backlighting and other display electronics. We are proud to be a part of this important industry-wide endeavor,” stated Kevin Tseng, general manager of Monitor BU, MStar Semiconductor.
According to Vincent Chiou, associate vice president of the Display Business Unit of ASUS, “HDR promises to deliver an entirely new level of visual experience for consumers. Having co-worked closely with a clearly defined grading system like VESA’s DisplayHDR standard, ASUS assures users that they are getting the display quality that they are asking for. This applies both to gamers and movie watchers who want more realism, and professional content developers who need more accuracy. Even the entry DisplayHDR performance level provides a very noticeable step-up in HDR quality for mainstream consumers, while the mid-range and high-range levels provide the serious photographer or professional artist the assurance they need when making a high-end product purchase. ASUS is leading the charge in this effort, with plans to introduce multiple products across all three performance tiers this year.”
The DisplayHDR specification establishes three HDR performance levels for PC displays — DisplayHDR 400 (baseline), DisplayHDR 600 (mid-range) and DisplayHDR 1000 (high-end) — using eight specific parameter requirements and associated tests. They comprise:
- Three peak luminance tests (small spot/high luminance, brief period full-screen flash luminance, and optimized use in bright environments);
- Two contrast measurement tests (native panel contrast and local dimming);
- Color testing of the BT.709 and DCI-P3 color gamuts;
- Bit-depth requirement test (stipulates minimum bit depth, confirmed via a simple visual test);
- HDR response performance test (analyzes the speed at which the backlight can respond to changes in luminance levels, a key parameter for gaming and rapid action in movies).
A consumer-level version of the DisplayHDR Test tool will be available later this year, featuring a more consumer-accessible graphical user interface. The next release will also include a list of available colorimeters that meet the spec’s requirements for accuracy and tolerance.
More information on the DisplayHDR specification and DisplayHDR Test tool is here. Leave a Comment
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Mike Weems Named a 2018 AVIXA Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award Winner AVIXA has named Mike Weems, CTS, MCP, a retired consultant liaison with Harman, the winner of the 2018 Mackey Barron Distinguished Achievement Award. And rAVe Founder Gary Kayye just recorded a podcast with Mike talking about his career here.
As the professional AV industry began to take its current form, Weems, whose career included positions at Sony, InFocus, NetStreams, Sanyo and Harman, understood that without training, certification and standardization, the industry couldn’t grow and reach its potential. Starting almost from scratch, Weems and a team of industry volunteers created the framework that still exists today and helped advance the careers of thousands of AV professionals.
This award’s overall purpose is to call out an individual recognized by association members and the industry as worthy of a lifetime achievement award. Two major criteria are applied — the career accomplishments and the individual’s contribution to the AV industry through AVIXA. The Mackey Barron Distinguished Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed on an industry member by the association.
Weems and the other winners will be celebrated on InfoComm 2018’s Center Stage at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Wednesday, June 6, at 4 p.m. Leave a Comment
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Microsoft Fixes Surface Hub and Sets New Bar with the New Surface Hub 2 Collaboration BoardTaking a page from the Samsung playbook, Microsoft’s new Surface Hub 2 is thinner, lighter and now being primarily promoted to be used like a digital flip-chart — in addition to being marketed as a “traditional” Collaboration Board for Huddle Spaces and meeting rooms.
Microsoft says the Surface Hub 2 was designed from the ground up to be used as a “team” system — to get people out of their seats, to connect and ideate, regardless of location. The new Surface Hub 2 is thinner, more agile and FINALLY more affordable. The 4K resolution 50.5” multi-touch display creates a digital canvas that’s integrated with Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Whiteboard, Office 365, Windows 10 and the cloud. The 4K cameras actually automatically rotate with the display (when you switch from landscape to portrait — and back), it has integrated speakers and a far-field mic array and multiple Surface Hub 2’s can be virtually-connected by placing more next to each other — sort of like “stretching” or extending the Microsoft Windows 10 desktop screen.
Watch this to understand what I’m explaining and how it works.
Surface Hub 2 scales by allowing you to tile up to four screens together in portrait or landscape and dynamic rotation means you can switch it at will base don what you’re using the room for. It is also significantly easier to move around your workspaces than its predecessor thanks to a Microsoft partnership with Steelcase who created a system of rolling stands and mounts to help Surface Hub 2 customers be mobile.
Here are all the details on the new Surface Hub 2. Leave a Comment
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FSR to Introduce HuddleVU Collaboration Bundles at InfoComm 2018FSR is introducing a new concept in collaboration systems at InfoComm 2018. The Company is launching HuddleVU Collaboration Bundles, a series of prepackaged configurations that take the work out of designing collaboration systems.
HuddleVU Collaboration Bundles are offered in five different prepackaged systems that accommodate from two to four users. Each bundle includes a table box, a switcher and all the necessary cables, but can be upgraded with optional cable retractors. Systems can also include FSR’s HuddleVU Air, a wireless four-input auto-switching presentation unit featuring one HDMI in, one VGA in and one wireless input.
The HuddleVU Collaboration Bundles will be on display alongside the HuddleVU line in FSR’s booth C2128 at InfoComm or you can see them here. Leave a Comment
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Radial’s New Compact Mixer Presenter Ships Radial Engineering has announced their $299 Presenter is now shipping. The Presenter is a compact mixer that combines a microphone pre-amp and a USB program input to create the ultimate interface for any presentation, from school lectures to corporate audio.
The USB input on the Presenter allows for direct connection to a laptop for high quality audio playback, perfect for presentations that include digital audio files, or for DJ applications. This connection also provides power for the Presenter, eliminating the need to carry around a separate power adapter. For connection to mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, a 3.5mm stereo input jack is included on the front of the unit, and can be adjusted using the program level control. The XLR microphone input is paired with low and high EQ controls to tailor the frequency response, along with a low cut filter that rolls off excessive low end.
Both the microphone and the playback signals are mixed to stereo XLR balanced outputs, which can be connected directly to a PA system or a pair of powered speakers. A mono switch is provided if only one speaker is needed and a ground lift ensures that the output signal is clean and free of buzz or hum from ground loops.
The Presenter’s compact size allows it to easily fit on a desktop or podium, and it includes a port for a Kensington lock to secure it for permanent installations. As an added benefit, the Presenter can also be used as a USB recording interface, so speeches or lectures can be recorded for later use.
Here is info on the Presenter. Leave a Comment
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MXL Debuts New AC-360-Z Web Conferencing Mic MXL Microphones introduces its new USB-powered table-top web conferencing microphone, the MXL AC-360-Z, at this year’s InfoComm Show (Marshall Electronics Booth C2164). The new MXL AC-360-Z has been co-developed with engineers from Zoom, a leading web conferencing and communications software provider, to enhance the microphone solution for Zoom Rooms and Zoom-enabled conference rooms.
The AC-360-Z expands upon the popular three capsule boundary microphone, the AC-404, through its 180° sound arc, with a full 360° pickup. When placed at the center of a large conference table, everyone speaking around the AC-360-Z will be clearly audible.
The AC-360-Z is compatible with any Mac or PC device through simple plug-and-play connectivity without needing to download any drivers. When used with Zoom, each quadrant of the AC-360-Z acts as an independent device for optimal performance and fidelity. Link up to three devices together to cover any room, small or large and each microphone ships with a complete installation kit including cables and mounting options.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Bogen Announces C4000 IP-Based Commercial Paging and Audio Distribution System Bogen Communications announced the introduction of its first IP-based, software-centric communications system optimized for commercial paging and audio distribution applications. The C4000 solution follows on the heels of Bogen’s award-winning education-focused E7000 system that debuted at InfoComm 2017. Both products leverage Bogen’s Nyquist software platform that provides users with unparalleled flexibility and scalability in whatever their application. The C4000 system addresses the unique communication needs of a variety of users: industrial facilities, transportation hubs, retailers, offices, restaurants and bars — anywhere easy and effective communication and audio distribution are required.
The heart of the C4000 solution is a robust, state-of-the-art system controller with an easy to use web-based graphical user interface (GUI) that is accessible through any PC, tablet or mobile device from any location in the connected world. The solution features a built-in, streaming Internet radio service, airable by Tune In. Business users can also access commercially licensed, customizable music stations from SoundMachine, the premier music subscription service for business. Both services are perfect for a wide variety of background music applications. SoundMachine gives large and small retailers, restaurants, bars or any other company looking to enhance their customer experience the ability to craft a seamless, engaging and on-brand music experience.
Available feature-rich IP phones and purpose-built networked appliances provide convenient communication, control, and interoperability with third-party devices and systems such as access control, fire alarm, clock and PBX systems. Available networked appliances include seven new audio power amplifiers, ranging from one-channel x 20 watts to four-channel x 300 watts, as well as a four-channel matrix mixer/pre-amp. A versatile new 10 watt plenum-rated intercom module with optional HDMI video output allows users to turn any speaker into an IP speaker for even greater site design flexibility.
The C4000 solution is extremely easy to install and use. Its web-based GUI allows people with a broad spectrum of technical proficiency to use the system. The C4000 solution can be scaled to support multiple, geographically dispersed facilities, encompassing a virtually unlimited number of paging and audio zones. Talkback capability is available for any areas requiring two-way communications. The solution can be easily upgraded with new features over time to address ever-changing customer environments and technology.
Bogen expects the C4000 system will start shipping to commercial contractors and distributors in the third quarter of 2018 and here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Audix Microphone Presets Now on Allen & Heath Qu Series Digital Mixers Audix has announced a collaboration with Allan & Heath on adding presets for the Allen & Heath Qu series of compact digital mixers. The new ProFactory mic presets cover a wide range of popular Audix models, including the SCX25A condenser vocal microphone, the D2, D4, D6, and i5 dynamic instrument microphones and the OM series of dynamic vocal microphones, and will help Qu users of all abilities quickly achieve great results with the popular Audix products.
Audix worked with Allan & Heath to ensure that the settings were optimized for each mic paired with Qu’s AnalogiQ Preamps.
The presets are available now as a free download from the Qu series product pages. You can go here. Leave a Comment
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TASCAM Ships BO Expansion Boxes for ML-Series Dante Converters TASCAM is now shipping its BO-series I/O expansion boxes for TASCAM ML-32D and ML-16D professional analog/Dante converters, and other D-Sub equipped devices. Three BO-series models are now available.
The new BO-32DE 32 Channel D-Sub breakout box provides 16 input and 16 output channels. Four rear-panel DB25 connectors connect to an ML-series interface and four front-panel Euroblock connectors provide analog network input for microphone and line-level audio signals. Euroblock, or European-style terminal block, is a low-voltage, pluggable terminal block that employs solderless connectors with screw terminals to clamp connecting wires.
For applications requiring XLR connectivity, TASCAM offers two new breakout boxes for ML-series analog/Dante converters. The BO-16DX/IN offers 16 channels of analog audio input on front-panel female XLR connectors. Each of its two rear-panel DB25 connectors send eight channels of audio to an ML-series converter. Similarly, TASCAM’s new BO-16DX/OUT breakout box receives 16 channels of audio from an ML-series converter via a pair of rear-panel DB25 connectors and sends analog audio output on 16 front-panel male XLR connectors.
TASCAM’s ML-32 analog/Dante converter inserts 32 channels of audio into a Dante stream and extracts 32 channels from a Dante stream, using DB25 connectors. The ML-16 offers 16 channels of input and 16 channels of output on DB25s. Both converters feature dual redundant Ethernet jacks that support primary and secondary connections; handle up to 24-bit, 96 kHz digital audio; and are AES67- and Ravenna-compatible. With the addition of the BO-series breakout boxes, the ML-32 and ML-16 provide an all-TASCAM solution that can be interfaced with a wide variety of audio devices, including direct connection to a TASCAM’s DA-6400 64-channel digital multitrack recorder/player without requiring its optional Dante card.
TASCAM is here. Leave a Comment
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WyreStorm Launches New AV-Over-IP SDVoE-Powered NetworkHD 600 Series WyreStorm just added a new AV-over-IP line aimed at the ProAV and residential markets called the NetworkHD 600 Series 4K – a 4K resolution and HD-capable over 10GbE using SDVoE technology.
Adding to its low bandwidth NetworkHD 100 Series HD over 1GbE using H.264 and video wall and multiview-supporting 200 Series and the 400 Series 4K HDR over 1GbE with JPEG2000, the 600 Series claims to offer a highly-scalable delivery of mathematically lossless, zero latency and seamless switching of 4K/60Hz and HDR using RGB or YUV, along with audio, control, scaling, processing, encoding and encryption over 10Gb IP network. 4K video is supported up to 4096×2160 60Hz at 4:4:4 8bit or 4:2:2 12bit HDR-10 over both HDMI and DisplayPort, with Dolby Vision to be supported by the end of the year.
Fully HDCP v2.2 compliant, 600 Series encoders and decoders feature auto-switch or software selectable input ports, with EDID capture and assign. HDMI audio is supported up to any known format (Genlock), as is multi-channel audio up to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and Dolby/DTS High Definition codecs for breakaway/routing. The 600 also supports audio embedding and de-embedding on encoder and decoder with DAC/ADC functionality, 8ch PCM audio downmix, and the creation of independent audio distribution via analog ports.
Both 600 Series encoders and decoders feature integrated 1GbE pass-through linked to the main switch, with bidirectional, fully routable RS232 UART and bidirectional RS232 interface with API/driver. IR input on encoders and decoders are also fully routable, with IR output generation and IR input forwarding to the API set to be supported in a Q2/Q3 2018 firmware update.
And, the firmware update claims to have support for video walls up to 5×5, with bezel compensation and independent audio routing, and powerful multiview functionality, supporting up 32 input streams, available in arbitrary layouts and able to be rescaled, resized, offset and multiplied.
Almost any Layer 2+ or Layer 3 managed switch can be used with NetworkHD 600 Series for single-switch deployments. And for trickier multicast traffic, WyreStorm created specific guides for supported switch brands, listing specific ranges, models and firmware versions required for a successful installation. Netgear ProSAFE, M and XSM Series and Ruckus ICX 7700 Series switches are supported on release, with Cisco, Niveo and multiple switch configurations targeted for support shortly thereafter.
The NetworkHD 600 Series encoders and decoders are available now, with dedicated NHD-000-RACK 7U eight-slot rack mount available from May 2018.
All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Ships DM Lite Crestron announced today it is now shipping DM Lite, a new set of signal extender products. DM Lite is designed to be a low cost version of their DM systems that are available in both one-gang and standalone boxes. DM Lite products are designed for basic point-to-point and small auto-switching applications. They can extend 1080p signals up to 70 meters and 4K60 4:2:0 signals up to 40 meters using CAT5e.
The DM Lite product line currently consists of six transmitters and four receivers, any of which can be mixed and matched. Additionally, they can be paired with Crestron extenders with HDMI connectivity (HD-MD-400-C-E and HD-MD-300-C-E). DM Lite transmitters include a USB port to power multi-head or active cables. DM Lite transmitters and receivers are available with and without COM/IR/CEC pass-through.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Barix Expands Multi-Site Music Streaming Solution Family at InfoCommIP audio company Barix will come to InfoComm (June 6-8, Las Vegas Convention Center) with an expanded suite of low-cost, multi-site audio contribution and streaming solutions. Barix will demonstrate the two new and now-shipping solutions, Instreamer ICE and Retail Player, at Booth C3465.
InfoComm marks the global debut of Instreamer ICE, which combines the bandwidth efficiency of AAC+ encoding with streamlined integration, thanks to a built-in Icecast server that supports up to 50 simultaneous listeners. Ideal for temporary live internet radio services from worship, corporate and other specialty broadcasters, the enhanced compression of AAC+ encoding allows end users to deliver the same audio quality as mp3 at half the bandwidth, or double the audio quality using the same bandwidth.
Instreamer ICE is believed to be the first product of its kind to combine an Icecast server with the encoding platform. This removes the need to download and configure an Icecast server on a separate machine, a time-consuming and often complex process, that enables listeners to receive live streams on their connected devices. Instreamer ICE’s all-in-one integrated solution instead enables setup times of less than five minutes, allowing users to quickly be up and running with internet radio streams.
The value proposition of Instreamer ICE is extended when coupled with Barix’s Retail Player solution. Receiving its North American debut, Retail Player combines robust hardware receivers with an intuitive, web-based management portal for large-scale retail, hospitality and corporate music applications. Instreamer ICE customers can quickly scale beyond 50 streams with Retail Player, while retaining a cost-effective price point for broader distribution networks.
The combined solution is ideal for private internet radio networks, as well as for businesses that previously turned to less reliable, consumer-grade players due to budget restrictions. The Instreamer ICE solution ensures that listeners can consume live streams on their mobiles, laptops and connected devices, while Retail Player provides a robust, network-configurable device with automatic playout for business applications.
Powered by the company’s new IPAM400 IP audio module, Retail Player receivers support high-quality decoding of live audio streams, and advanced buffer management in an ultra-compact form factor. The Barix Retail Player Portal adds value through centralized configuration, management, status monitoring and stream switching across multiple locations. The Retail Player portal also simplifies maintenance and upgrades of multiple receivers, including the ability to remotely update the units’ firmware as new features and enhancements are released to meet customers’ future needs.
Barix is here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships 7″ and 10″ Room Scheduling Panels
Extron just announced the TLS 725M, TLS 1022M, and TLS 1022T room scheduling panels. These join the TLS 520M that has been available for a few months now. The new TLS family of TouchLink Scheduling panels are designed to help ease integration and provide customers with powerful, dedicated panels for all their meeting space reservation needs. Right out of the box, TLS panels are ready to be customized with free Room Agent software and then connect directly to Microsoft Exchange, Office 365, and Google Calendar without the need for additional scheduling software or external processors. Users can make reservations directly from these panels, a computer, or any smartphone or tablet that connects to any one of the supported mail servers. Bright red and green LED light bars makes it easy to see if a room is occupied or available even from down the hall. New room scheduling analytics provide the information customers need to closely analyze room usage, activity patterns, and occupancy trends across the organization.
All TLS panels are configured with Extron Room Agent software. Simply connect the touchpanel to your computer, open the free Room Agent software, fill in the required fields to compose the user interface, and you’re done. Customization options include custom colors and background images, interface text fields to be shown or hidden, depending on user preference. TLS panels equipped with a digital input will work with just about any occupancy sensor, including the Extron OCS 100 series, which monitor room occupancy and, after a user-defined time, release the room back to available status.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Middle Atlantic Expands DC Power Distribution Portfolio Middle Atlantic Products has expanded its DC Power Distribution Series — a universal DC Power solution for commercial and residential AV. Now featuring higher power capacity and availability for both North American and European installations, the portfolio’s new 200W and 300W models deliver the same features as the 45W DC compact and 125W DC 1RU systems, eliminating the need for DC transformers (“wall warts”) within AV installations.
As devices and applications shrink in size, technology professionals must maximize utility of every AC outlet available, especially in European applications. The newly expanded line of DC power solutions gives AV consultants, integrators, and installers access to the broadest DC power distribution portfolio available. They not only remove messy, space-consuming, unreliable wall warts from the design, but also provide maximum power to support more devices.
The 200W and 300W units provide high current capacity to an industry-leading quantity of outputs — up to 24 devices — maximizing the same voltage in a single unit, 5V, 12V, or 24V or splitting between 12/24V. The multi-mount design can be installed in an available 1RU space or at the back or side of the rack for zero-U mounting, providing ultimate installation flexibility. A supported input voltage range of 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz additionally provides design flexibility for international applications.
The new DC Power Distribution models will be at InfoComm 2018 at Legrand’s booth C3683. All the tech specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Pasternack Intros a New Line of Coaxial RF Lightning and Surge Protectors Pasternack has just launched a new series of coaxial surge protectors that are designed to guard communications equipment from power surges and indirect lightning strikes.
Pasternack’s 46 new coaxial lightning and surge protectors are perfect for use in cellular base stations, public safety systems, Wi-Fi networks, active antenna systems and GPS system applications.
The new surge protectors are available with 7/16 DIN, Type-N and 4.3-10 connectors and feature VSWR as low as 1.1:1, max power as high as 2kW, multi-strike capability and low insertion loss. Additionally, these models support a frequency range of DC to 6 GHz and are CE and RoHS compliant. Most of these new surge protectors are IP67-rated for outdoor use and some models offer low-PIM performance. Furthermore, models are available with bracket mounting options and flexible bulkhead designs.
Pasternack’s new coaxial lightning and surge protectors are in stock and ready for immediate shipment with no minimum order quantity. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Draper Brings Silent Partner and Fly Cages to InfoComm Draper announces projection solutions, including the Silent Partner and Fly Cages, which are both set to debut in the USA at InfoComm 2018 – these were shown at ISE earlier this year.
Today’s digital projectors can put out a lot of heat, and cooling fan noise can be a big distraction—especially with shorter throw distances putting the projector closer to the audience. With Draper’s new Silent Partner, projector heat and noise are no longer a problem. The Silent Partner is a projector enclosure designed to hold projectors from 5,000—15,000 ANSI lumens with a convoluted exhaust airflow path and acoustic insulation foam to greatly reduce any sound from the projector, while the thermostatic fan control ensures proper projector cooling. Featuring lockable access doors to allow for easy projector service, the Silent Partner goes anywhere, mounts beneath most ceilings, and can also be attached to a projector lift to conceal the unit when not in use. The Silent Partner is available in 120V and 240V versions.
In addition, Draper will debut fly cages at InfoComm 2018. Draper’s fly cages are available in several sizes and designed to provide sturdy, long-lasting protection. Manufactured from 2″ tubing, Draper fly cages easily attach to cheeseborough clamps for quick and secure mounting to truss. The adjustment mechanism allows precise projector alignment and multiple cages can be stacked for increased projector brightness or redundancy.
Go see them both here. Leave a Comment
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