Volume 16, Issue 5.2 — March 14, 2018
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Editorial Editorial Editorial
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Industry News Media Players, Recording & Distribution Unified Collaborative Conferencing Displays Control & Signal Processing Staging & Live Events Cables, Cases, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens & Accessories
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Placemaking
By Mark Coxon rAVe Blogger
I was recently in Jacksonville for our annual sales meeting. One of the highlights of that meeting was when our guest presenter, Amahl Hazelton, director of communications for Destinations at Moment Factory, shared a plethora of interactive AV experiences they developed around specific public spaces.
Now, I have heard the term “place-based entertainment” many times in my career, with the idea being that through the use of creative technology and space, you turn the “place” into a true “destination.” So even though I was familiar with the concept, Amahl actually introduced me to a new term describing the design and realization of these spaces.
Placemaking
If you want to see some amazing examples of some placemaking, feel free to look at the sizzle reels on Moment Factory’s site as they are very well done.
Placemaking really extends beyond traditional AV, however, as it not only requires an understanding of technology, it also requires some insight into human psychology and behavior and why they visit the public spaces they do. It also requires a unique understanding of urban planning and architecture as well as the historical context of the space at hand and how that can be leveraged to create a destination.
When I was on the integration side, anytime I was able to speak to someone about a lobby project, a visitors’ center, an interactive tour, etc., I always talked to the potential client about creating a true destination.
I define a destination as an experience so compelling that you’d travel to see it, even if you weren’t interested in the company, product, service or subject matter.
For instance, I go out of my way to walk into the SalesForce lobby just to see their amazing large format content, even though I really have no other business at SalesForce. In this case, their lobby goes from something you had to walk through to accomplish your goal elsewhere in the building, to the lobby visit becoming the actual goal itself. It becomes the destination. This is really a subset of placemaking called creative placemaking.
Creative placemaking is just one more way that AV companies can focus on experience and leverage their technical expertise to partner with content creators and architects to create amazing destinations.
Many integrators already have the right connections inside their government and corporate accounts. Many times there may be separate decision makers for these spaces as well. Integrators may have to leave the IT department and walk down the hall to marketing or the C-Suite as well. Either way, integrators today have amazing opportunities to expand their services beyond operations centers and huddle, conference and boardrooms and out into the public spaces as well to leverage a new focus on experiences and create true destinations.
Now it’s just time to capitalize on them. Leave a Comment
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Nine Tips to Bridge the Cybernetic Design Gap
By Raymond Kent Director of the Innovative Technology Design Group, DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky
Before you commit to incorporating augmented or virtual reality into your design process, consider these scenarios that could harm, rather than help, your final outcome.
Much like Doctor Who’s TARDIS, the toolbox for design just got a lot bigger on the inside. What was once relegated to testing labs, tinkerer’s garages, and a relatively small segment of the gaming industry has now exploded onto the landscape of everyday tech with the promise to change practice in everything from product design to education to entertainment to architectural design. Unlike other technologies we have seen, augmented and virtual reality are looking to have staying power in a truly disruptive way.
A quick primer on this technology and its current capabilities:
Augmented reality (AR) is a live, direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are supplemented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics, or GPS data. The most recent successful AR example is a little game you may have heard of: Pokemón GO. Thanks to the app, millions of users were chasing virtual creatures around the actual globe using their smart phones. The app generated millions of dollars in sellable data for the game’s creator and launched AR technology into the mainstream.
Virtual reality (VR), unlike augmented reality, currently relies on a head-mounted display (HMD) that blocks out all external visual and auditory stimulus and provides a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment with which users interact using special electronic equipment. Having the largest presence in gaming/entertainment, medical, and military applications, products such as the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift are providing immersive environments that transport the user into the intended scenario.
Both technologies have a long history dating back to the 1960s, and for much of their collective history, they were seen as clunky and expensive. Over the last several years however, investments from deep-pocketed sources coupled with advancements in computing power and the rise of smart devices, have gotten us much closer to the kind of technology we associate with legendary science fiction lore.
Designing with the Tech of the Future
As designers we have the opportunity to leverage this technology and delve more deeply into the design process in new ways. At DLR Group, we’re exploring how we can use this technology as an internal collaborative and iterative process in partnership with our clients, as a part of the product for the client in the form of a marketing/fundraising tool, or as an immersive way to experience the final environment.
There are a variety of ways to engage in AR/VR and a myriad of price points to go with it, each with advantages and drawbacks. Wading into this world can no doubt be a daunting task for any design team, but enticing possibilities for collaboration and new design techniques far outweigh the hesitancy. Below are some key considerations when deciding to launch an augmented or virtual reality design project:
1. Define Your Objectives
There are several key factors to consider outside of which technology you to use. In some ways the technology takes a back seat to the actual experience you’re working towards. As powerful as AR/VR technology is, the goal should always tie back to the core mission, brand, or business objective. This drives back to the most basic of questions: Why is using this type of platform necessary, and what do you expect of the outcomes?
2. Select the Technology
Once you’ve outlined your objectives, you should review the available technology to consider which one makes the most sense for your project. Does augmented or virtual reality make better sense? Are you using an existing technology you already have? Will it require custom software or off-the-shelf products to allow you to accomplish your goals? These considerations are critical to success as the outcomes may not translate between platforms; content developed for Oculus Rift will not translate to Google Cardboard.
It’s also crucial to understand the technology of any partner firms. Misunderstandings here can be akin to making a video call to someone using a rotary phone, as well as options for user control devices, which can range from gaming controllers, wands, gesture technology, or even thumb wheelsI It’s important to consider the user, the environments, and which control capabilities exist.
3. Try Before You Buy
First-time users are often awestruck when they initially experience new AR/VR technology. It’s exciting to try new things, but sometimes in their excitement, users lose their ability to deliver actionable contributions or feedback. It’s helpful to schedule training sessions with the team to acclimate everyone on how to best maximize your use of the technology. This could–and often should–include leveraging similar examples or test runs of the current project for your team to try out for themselves before any required constructive meeting.
4. Understand First-Person Design
Just as in the real world, in AR/VR, users see things from a different perspective. The iterative and interactive nature of AR/VR allows each user to contribute to the environment in their own unique way. This feature is exciting, but it is important to design the framework and boundaries for the environment, rather than have it be endless. If it’s too large, the team gets lost. If it’s too small, you could wind up virtually tripping over each other.
5. Separate the Good From the Bad
Investing in quality content will make the experience of designing in AR/VR much more effective, more dynamic, and more memorable. Know your comfort level with creating content, and find the right partner with the right experience to help fill any gaps. The teaming requirements should tie directly back to the original objectives, and how best to achieve them.
6. Mobile vs. Dedicated Environments
Incorporating a mobile platform for design use requires additional levels of consideration. Mobile app developers will tell you that some of the biggest challenges are creating apps for multiple platforms and multiple versions of operating systems, even on the exact same device. This complicates mobile AR/VR apps significantly, as there are essentially two layers to the app design. The first is the actual app design, which considers experience navigation and other out-of-experience control features such as settings. The second is the experience design itself, and how to navigate within the experience. Items such as breadcrumb threads and content libraries often have to be split between AR/VR modes and within the app itself. So the ability to develop or use the tools across both environments to leverage the experience in the design process is imperative.
7. Duration and Timing of Delivery
Setting realistic expectations for the development, setup, and delivery of the experience so users get the most out of the design process is crucial, particularly if you work on billable time. Even if you clearly define your objectives, select the right technology, and put the right people in place, you can’t completely absolve yourself of delays or complications. A timely approach will allow users to reap the unique, unmatched benefits this technology can produce.
Developing the necessary tools to achieve your goals can take an average of 12-to-16 weeks for simple scenarios, and as much as three-to-six months before design even begins. The good news is set-up can work in tandem with other initial developmental design processes, such as programming and schematic design, which often mimics the timeframe of AR/VR setup. There are also several shortcuts that can shorten the set-up time, including purchasing stock 3D video capture or computer-generated elements, purchasing pre-written modules of code or complete software add-ins such as Enscape for Revit.
8. Understand the Technology Will Evolve Faster Than Your Project
Thanks to large infusions of investment capital being pumped into the market, technology developers are spinning out new technology and software almost daily. This is exciting, but can make for an uneasy landscape. You and your team can chase the proverbial technology tail forever, trying to dazzle and incorporate what new thing just came out. Keep in mind that your main objective is to deliver an experience and a narrative rather than showcase the technology. The AR/VR landscape can be an incredibly powerful design and presentation tool, but it is not a cure-all for unwanted or inadequate design ideas. What it can do is provide solid dimensional collaboration and communication opportunities that present the material in a more intuitive way than 2D drawings or images on a screen.
9. The Environment for the Environment
The last consideration for using AR/VR in the design process is where you will be using this technology. Mobile applications have the least number of controlled environments and offer the most flexibility, but the output can be affected by the real world environment, e.g. sunlight glare, ambient noise, poor acoustics in the space. AR in a dedicated, enclosed, controllable environment requires special consideration to maximize the technology’s ability to display content. Depending on the sophistication of the technology, it may require fixed objects within the room to lock onto where the AR visual field sits.
The computing power required for many of these system is much greater than for standard applications. Poor or limited bandwidth will hamper the experience and can cause latency issues or crashes. The rule of thumb when working with this technology is that you should double the expected bandwidth required whenever possible.
Following these best practices can put your design project on a good path for success. I recommend starting off with unique aspects within a smaller project’s total design project so you can acclimate to the process, and get a feel for how it will be beneficial. Doing this on multiple projects will allow you to build your skills and improve your design portfolio across greater platforms. Happy designing!
This content is reprinted with permission from DLR Group. Leave a Comment
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Picking Up Pennies In Front Of A Steamroller
By Lee Distad rAVe Columnist
I have a tendency to subvert aphorisms and expressions to suit my own purposes.
We all do it to some degree when we use the language of sports as either an metaphor or an analogy. At work we all know you’re not talking about hockey when you say you have to “take one for the team.”
I don’t think of repurposing as abusing the meaning of things. It’s not like a malapropism; the substitution of the correct word for a similar sounding word with a completely different meaning, although those can be strangely profound. I prefer to think of it as recycling: Taking something old and giving it a new life.
In investing, there’s a widely-known expression that describes, as Wikipedia puts it, “An investment which normally provides a payoff of small positive returns, while carrying a small but significant risk of catastrophic losses.”
The expression, if you’re not familiar, is “picking up pennies in front of a steam roller.”
Again, from Wikipedia: “The term was coined by journalist Martin Wolf and economist John Kay to describe investments with a ‘high probability of a modest gain and a low probability of huge losses in any period.’”
It’s not too much of a stretch to see how that scenario can apply to business activities as well.
One that comes to mind for me is the risk associated with pursuing new business in new channels. Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with that. Revenue growth isn’t always easy to come by and finding net new revenue from new partners outside of your existing channels is a good thing. But it does carry its own hazards.
For one thing, too much focus on cultivating those new sources of revenue can distract you from properly servicing your existing customer base in your already-established channels. What happens then? Your revenue from them decreases. That’s not really what you were hoping to accomplish.
There are a few necessary steps to approach this to minimize your risk. The first is to conduct an objective assessment of whether your company has maximized its revenue from customers in your established channels. How well do you know each of your customers? Do you know how much of their business you’re getting, versus what’s going to your peers and competitors? Do you have a clear picture of their own business prospects, not just with you, but overall? Are they doing well? Are they struggling? Are they likely to be up or down or gone next year?
If you don’t have the answers to those questions, you have a lot more work to do, tuning up your existing sales relationships so that they’re firing on all cylinders.
Unless you have your existing sales channels fully maximized, seeking net new business somewhere else is putting the cart before the horse. Assuming that you’ve done all that, then it makes sense to seek out new opportunities, under the condition that you still need to allocate time and resources to ensure that your existing customers are happy and continue to order from you. I’ll be honest, this isn’t always easy. There are only so many hours in the day, and whatever the size of your sales team, there’s only so much each of them can achieve at any time.
At the same time, all emphasis is no emphasis. It’s hard to focus on everything, at once, all the time. That’s why scheduling and time management is essential. It’s imperative that your team use planning and communication to make sure no one “forgets” about a customer.
If you like analogies, think of the performer at the circus, spinning plates on the ends of long poles. He has to keep all the plates spinning fast enough, even as he adds more plates to the trick.
While it wasn’t coined specifically for how I’m using it here, picking up pennies in front of the steam roller is a dramatic expression, and drives home the point that if you focus on one set of rewards you may end up costing yourself more than you gained. Leave a Comment
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Samsung and Portrait Displays Announce CalMAN 2018 IntegrationSoftware developer Portrait Displays announced today an expanded partnership with Samsung Electronics to enhance color calibration in TV displays through its CalMAN software. This auto calibration tool is expected to become available simultaneously with Samsung’s 2018 QLED TV lineup.
Portrait Displays’ CalMAN software is the video calibration solution used by nearly every professional video calibrator, and by most end users in broadcast, production, and post-production. It is also the leading market solution for home video enthusiasts.
The 2018 Samsung QLED TVs feature additional points of Color Management System control. Previous models offered color controls only at 100 percent color saturation. The 2018 QLED Q Color controls also offer adjustment points at 50 percent and 75 percent.
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Berk-Tek Joins SDVoE AllianceThe SDVoE Alliance today announced that Berk-Tek has joined the alliance as an adopting member.
Berk-Tek manufactures all the latest infrastructure products with offerings ranging from Category 6A cables for 10GBaseT to loose tube and tight buffered fiber optic cables that are designed for applications ranging from data center to campus LAN environments.
“Berk-Tek’s mission is to provide our customers with solutions that meet both their current and future network needs, while continuously striving to maximize their return on investment. Central to that is staying ahead of emerging technology and applications,” said Brian Simmons, copper product manager at Berk-Tek. “Berk-Tek has long played an important role in the development of Ethernet standards, and with AV increasingly moving to the IP network, we hope to bring our expertise to this emerging market, while leveraging the experience and knowledge of other SDVoE alliance members.”
“SDVoE is the only ‘full stack solution’ for pro AV, addressing the entire 7-layer OSI networking framework with solutions at every layer,” said Justin Kennington, president of the SDVoE Alliance. “Berk-tek’s products support the vital Ethernet physical layer, upon which all the other layers are built. We welcome their participation in the alliance and look forward to their contribution to the evolving ecosystem we are creating.”
All AV distribution and processing applications that demand zero-latency, uncompromised video can benefit from SDVoE technology, which provides an end-to-end hardware and software platform for AV extension, switching, processing and control through advanced chipset technology, common control APIs and interoperability. SDVoE network architectures are based on off-the-shelf Ethernet switches, thus offer substantial cost savings and greater system flexibility and scalability over traditional approaches – such as point-to-point extension and circuit-based AV matrix switching.
SDVoE is here and Berk-Tek is here. Leave a Comment
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Here’s What You Missed from the DC Almo ProAV E4 AV TourWe just returned form the first stop on the 2018 ALMO E4 AV Tour in Washington DC and it’s safe to say that Almo ProAV still has THE BEST regional trade shows of ANY AV distributor in North America. Not only do they blow away the competition in sheer numbers — 500+ attendees, 45 exhibitors and two educational tracks worth 18 AVIXA CTS RU’s – but this year’s event featured a lot of stuff never shown at a North American trade show.
Like what? Well, here’s a quick round-up:
But, there’s a whole lot more! In fact, we shot over 50 videos of new products launched in the last three months and you can see them all (and the rest of our E4 AV Tour coverage — including many of the educational sessions) here. Leave a Comment
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VITEC Intros the MGW Diamond Encoder, Expanding Its HEVC Ecosystem VITEC has expanded its ecosystem of HEVC video distribution solutions with the new MGW Diamond Encoder and the VITEC Playout Server, a point-to-point HEVC distribution solution, which is being announced at NAB. The MGW Diamond Encoder adds quad-channel HEVC encoding in what VITEC says is a compact and portable form factor to the VITEC HEVC family. The all-new VITEC Playout Server provides an efficient platform to manage, capture, preview and distribute IPTV streams, complementing VITEC’s point-to-point HEVC contribution ecosystem.
VITEC’s point-to-point/point-to-multipoint HEVC streaming offering, featuring the MGW Ace hardware-based HEVC encode/decode solution. VITEC’s MGW Diamond is a compact HEVC and H.264 HD/SD encode designed for any multichannel broadcast application. The MGW Diamond delivers HEVC encoding in a fraction of the footprint of comparable encoders, with the ability to capture up to four 3G/HD/SD-SDI or composite inputs and live stream up to eight channels.
Complementing the VITEC HEVC ecosystem, the new VITEC Playout Server provides an efficient platform to manage, capture, and preview IPTV-protected streams transmitted by VITEC encoders from any location and distribute them within a target network, whether for rebroadcast, video-on-demand or any other application. The server is the perfect solution to enable high-quality, low-bandwidth, reliable contribution over the internet while avoiding the use of expensive and less flexible fiber or satellite transmission infrastructure, leading to a dramatic reduction of operating expenses (OPEX).
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Magewell Adds HDR Support to Select Cards in Pro Capture Family Magewell today announced the addition of High Dynamic Range (HDR) support to select HDMI models in its flagship Pro Capture family of PCI Express capture cards.
When used with HDR-enabled video sources and software, Magewell’s HDR support will allow users to capture and record content compatible with the HDR10 open standard for consumer TVs. HDR support will initially be available in Magewell’s Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus, Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus LT and upcoming dual-channel Pro Capture Dual HDMI 4K Plus models, all of which support resolutions up to 4096×2160 at 60 frames per second over HDMI 2.0 interfaces. Existing cards can be upgraded to support HDR by simply uploading a new EDID (extended display identification data) file.
HDR capture and recording will also require HDR-enhanced software applications. In addition to anticipated support from third-party vendors, Magewell will provide a sample application for testing and development, and plans to add HDR recording capabilities to a future version of its own Capture Express software. Captured files can then be played back on HDR10-compliant devices through compatible playout hardware or software.
The HDR enhancements for 4K, HDMI-connected Pro Capture Plus cards are available immediately to developers, with end-user software to follow. HDR support is also planned for Magewell’s 2K/HD Pro Capture cards through future driver and firmware updates, bringing the benefits of extended dynamic range to high definition productions.
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Zoom Deploys New Technology EcoSystem Program and Certified Integrator Program Today Zoom announced the development of two new programs that will expand the reach and impact of its software-based conference room solution, Zoom Rooms. The company will showcase the scope of its Technology Ecosystem Program and Certified Integrator Program, along with the breadth of its communication solutions, at Enterprise Connect this week.
Zoom Rooms’ superior user experience and scalability have enabled thousands of organizations such as Uber, Conde Nast, Zendesk and REA Group to deploy tens to thousands of video-enabled collaboration spaces. The new programs, coupled with the recently-announced Zoom Rooms Digital Signage and Scheduling Display, demonstrate Zoom Rooms’ growth from a video conference room solution to a broader platform that brings powerful, frictionless video communication and collaboration to any space.
Zoom has two programs that support enterprise collaboration requirements, with valued partners in each:
- Zoom Technology Ecosystem Program: AVer, Avocor, Crestron, Dell, DTEN, Heckler Design, Huddly, i3-Technologies, Logitech, MXL Microphones, PanaCast (Altia Systems), Polycom, Revolabs (Yamaha UC), Sharp and Suirui are all developing products or bundled hardware kits to enable greater capabilities in Zoom Rooms, enhancing the overall user experience and the ease of deployment and management. Dell, as an example, now provides the Dell OptiPlex, large displays and other components optimized for Zoom Rooms.
- Zoom Certified Integrator Program: Audiovisual Projects, BTC Direct, CCS Presentation Systems, Colortone Audio Visual, CoitCom, Connect NZ, Connect4Video, Cowbell Technologies, David Carroll Associates, DGI Technologies, Genesis Integration, Global Interactive Solutions, HB Communications, Immedia Integrated Technologies, IVCi, S&S IP SAS, TechSonic, VC Systems, VideoConferenceGear.com, Whitlock and other global integrators plan, design and deploy Zoom Rooms across enterprise customers’ locations. These integrators are trained, certified and enabled by Zoom’s Professional Services Organization to ensure that they deliver happiness to Zoom customers.
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Leyard and Planar Expand Planar Simplicity Series LCD Display Line with 4K ModelsLeyard and Planar announced the Planar Simplicity Series 4K, expanding the Planar Simplicity Series line of LCD digital signage displays to include five new 4K models. The displays are designed for retail, museums, corporate communications, quick serve restaurants and small companies with a limited budget that would like to capitalize on the benefits of digital signage.
The Planar Simplicity Series 4K features:
- Wide variety of sizes (43”, 55”, 65”, 75” and 86”)
- Exceptional clarity with four times the resolution of Full HD
- Whisper-quiet fanless design
- Native 4K resolution at up to 60Hz support for smooth video and mouse tracking
- Integrated signage tools, such as USB playback with scheduling and LAN distribution, eliminating the need for third-party hardware
- Built-in speakers
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MultiDyne Intros BullDog II Field Fiber System MultiDyne Fiber Optic Solutions just debuted a second-generation BullDog II platform. The BullDog II will eclipse the current MultiDyne family of field fiber units, which includes the LightBox, LightCube and current-generation BullDog. To date, these have been MultiDyne’s three foundational systems to support long-distance signal distribution between trucks, studios and hard-to-reach locations in broadcast, live production and commercial AV applications.
With the versatile BullDog II platform, broadcasters, content producers and commercial AV users (corporate, medical, venues) retain the benefits of a purpose-engineered solution from a durability perspective, yet can scale up and down for any configuration and signal count that were traditionally spread across various product lines.
To create even more flexibility, MultiDyne will initially roll out three different frame sizes for applications ranging from single-camera standup interviews to the largest-scale sporting events, with additional frame sizes to follow. User can add Pelican cases or other accessories, such as handles and rackmount kits, for protection and transport in studio environments and the harshest weather elements. Its ability to interoperate with MultiDyne openGear cards, the MultiDyne VF-9000 rackmount fiber transport frame, and other BullDog systems ensure the ultimate in Field Fiber flexibility for users.
As an example, users can easily change video signal counts from one event to the next by simply adding or removing cards.At the same time, new cards can be inserted to increase audio density or Ethernet capacity, among many additional signals and applications.
The BullDog II adopts a very compact design that is much smaller and lighter than other systems, reducing weight for easier portability on board trucks and out in the field. The design integrates a monitor and touchscreen to enhance signal control and status monitoring between two points.
The new BullDog platform will accommodate multiple video formats (12G, 4K, 3Gb/s, HD/SDI, composite) as well as mic/line audio, intercom, tally, Ethernet, genlock and data. Additionally, full camera control is supported using the camera manufacturer’s RCP via serial or a 10/100GigE Ethernet connection.
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ATEN Introduces Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station ATEN Technology today announced the UH7230 – Thunderbolt 3 Multiport Dock solution. The UH7230 Thunderbolt 3 Multiport Dock quickly connects peripherals and displays video content from a laptop. The Thunderbolt 3 Multiport Docking Station allows users to add an additional monitor for enhanced multitasking, such as designing and viewing of movies, or photos in high definition.
Thunderbolt 3 provides high speed data transfers, powerful performance and lightweight in a single form factor. So, while more laptops – like MacBooks and Ultrabooks – are adopting the interface, many users are still faced with the challenge of connecting multiple devices with legacy interfaces due to lack of the proper port.
UH7230 key features include:
- Support of dual 4K or 5K resolution for graphics-intensive multitasking – allows users to connect one 5K display or two 4K displays (one DisplayPort and one Thunderbolt 3 USB-C port) with nearly 16 million more pixels than HDTVs. Whether editing video or digital media, designing graphics, or using applications that require high-definition visuals, users will benefit from astonishing resolution, contrast, and color depth.
- Blazing fast speed to boost productivity – with up to 40Gbps bandwidth, users can transfer files faster (a 4K movie takes less than 30 seconds) and reduce waiting, freeing up more time to accomplish other tasks.
- USB Power Delivery 2.0 for Mac and Windows laptops – supporting up to 85W of power delivery, the UH7230 is an intuitive central hub for not only connectivity expansion, but also for charging a laptop and USB accessories. The UH7230 can provide power to matched USB-C Windows or Mac laptops with PD Profile specifications of 20V/4.25A, 15V/3A, 9V/3A, and 5V/3A.
- Simplified workspace via a single cable – using the (included) single Thunderbolt 3 cable, the docking station expands connectivity up to 8 ports, including audio, Gigabit Ethernet, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 USB-C and USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports to accommodate a user’s most demanding computing needs. A Thunderbolt 3 port is also provided to daisy chain up to 5 additional Thunderbolt 3 devices, such as data storage.
The UH7230 Thunderbolt 3 Multiport Dock is now available for $220. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Pliant Technologies CrewCom Wireless Intercom System Is Now Shipping Pliant Technologies is now shipping its professional wireless intercom system, CrewCom. CrewCom features the industry’s smallest fully-featured professional full-duplex wireless radio packs, multiple simultaneous frequency bands, as well as a host of user features. With CrewCom, production crews of all sizes can easily and quickly deploy communications solutions to connect more people in more places than ever before.
CrewCom offers 1,024 Conferences that provide the flexibility of a matrix/party-line without the cost or limitations of either system. Unlike a matrix-based architecture, CrewCom is based on a decentralized platform that puts system resources where they are needed. This entirely innovative approach to professional wireless intercoms enables CrewCom to handle almost any application-from out-of-the-box solutions to large-scale designs-for a range of installation projects for live sound, broadcast, industrial, and more.
CrewCom wireless products are available in 2.4GHz and 900MHz models (900MHz are limited to where this band is legal). Any combination of these frequency bands may be simultaneously used on the same CrewCom system, giving the ability to easily put global-friendly, dependable RF coverage where needed, all while employing a consistent user interface throughout the system. This enables the system to easily adapt to the RF challenges facing production and entertainment professionals.
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Laird Ships 12G-SDI Single Link BNC Camera Cables, Now Pre-Loaded on Reels Laird Digital Cinema is now shipping its 12G-SDI Single Link BNC Camera Cables pre-loaded on reels, available in six models and a variety of lengths.
Reel-loaded Laird single-channel, 12G-SDI camera cables save time and maximize broadcast signal integrity featuring a military grade reel with a spool brake and a 4K/8K chassis mount BNC connector. SMPTE compliant Belden and Canare low-loss coax cables terminate with high quality BNC connectors and deliver 12G-SDI signal transmission up to 328 feet, depending on model, as well as 3G up to 686 feet.
Designed for high bandwidth, 12G-SDI critical equipment connectivity between cameras, switchers and other 4K video apparatus, these sturdy cable assemblies ensure secure equipment connections for broadcast use for OB trucks, ENG, live events and studios.
Available models: LCR-4855-B-B, LCR-4505-B-B, LCR-4694-B-B, LCR-4794-B-B, LCR-RT4855, LCR-12G-B-B. Specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Spectrum Adds SIM32 Front-Loading Tablet and Laptop Storage Cart for Education
Spectrum Industries has introduced the SIM32 Cart, which has the smallest footprint of any Spectrum design. The SIM32 measures 24 inches wide, 22 inches in diameter and 37 inches in height. The small cart can store 32 laptops or tablets. The SIM32 can also store and charge iPads, Chromebooks and notebooks. Plastic dividers are used to separate and protect devices. The SIM32 offers easy accessibility and storage of electronics due to its front-loading door. This system keeps cords organized and offers a large storage space. Rotated and staggered power outlets built into the SIM32 can fit most AC plug adapters. The SIM32 is composed of heavy steel making it one of the toughest carts on the market and also comes with a single-bolt latch for security.
There are two available models of the SIM32, one with a power switch and one with the eLogix Timer. The eLogix Timer available contains a power switch and LEDs that help identify which electronics are charging. The SIM32 is ETL listed to UL 60950-1 standard.
Here are all the details.
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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).
Don’t like us? Then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send us feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to founder Gary at gary@ravepubs.com or Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
Everything we publish is opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship publication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition is co-published with CEDIA, covering the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
To read more about rAVe’s team and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top |
Copyright 2018 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: Sara@rAVePubs.com
rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
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