Volume 3, Issue 8 — August 28, 2017
|
Editorials Editorials Editorials Editorials Editorials
|
|
|
USB-C: Powering Macbooks Today, AV Tomorrow
By Richard Blackwell The latest Macbook uses a USB-C port for both power and USB communications, and rumors are that the iPhone 8 will also switch over to the USB-C. Wait…what!? Yup, just when you finally got everything you own converted to the one cable style it’s going to change, but this time you may be a little more accepting and here’s why: The USB-C connector, part of the USB-3.1 standard, is designed not only to connect devices, but to power stuff – a lot of stuff.
Take a step back from your desk and if it’s like mine you can see under it the rat’s nest of power, USB and video cables. Now image that the 114-year-old 120-volt electrical outlet is gone and replaced by a simple box with a couple USB-C connectors on it. You’ll plug your laptop directly into it (with no $100 adaptor to lose or forget), and of course your phone, but also your LED desk lamp and the second display for your laptop. Think of the $$ saved in 120v adapters alone, and not to mention you significantly reduced the clutter both on and below your desk.
[Queue the record SCREEECH here]…You read correctly, the ubiquitous 120v power outlet goes away, and all of the labor and training to install it shifts over to a low voltage USB outlet that can be installed by almost anyone with a little training. Hang on a minute, AV racks plug into those outlets — will we need to request a special 120-volt power outlet in the future? No, because guess what? Many of the AV equipment makers are already on this and planning to allow their equipment to be powered by low voltage USB-C (see POE below). Again we are ditching the power adapters for a single common power supply ($$!!!), but what about the intelligent power strips we use to condition power and switch circuits on and off? Well power strips will still be out there, but they won’t actually switch power flow off — they will instead send the off/standby message to the device that tells it to turn off the second monitor, the desk lamp and yes, the USB coffee cup warmer (power strips will be glorified USB hubs). As this process continues there will be a significant reduction in the cost of electrical wiring in a building leaving mostly the central heating and cooling systems to need high voltage power.
If everything is going to be USB connected then everything can talk to each other and the IoT world takes another big step forward in devices online. Keep thinking along this track and now everything in the building is smart, so automation of every device that needs power naturally follows, and you just need a little more software to do most anything you dreamed of in the past. Total connectivity.
Hey what about PoE? Power over Ethernet is also competing for some of the same devices, so the truth is no one is sure which will ultimately win out in the end. However, there is a school of thought today that USB may be a little better suited for the job of power distribution to clustered groups of devices because it’s not attempting to travel thousands of feet. Standard practice is to pull one Cat6 cable to each device and that’s a lot of cable, whereas USB-C may need no or limited data connectivity and it can pull one line to a simple hub for distribution. In either case, the days of 120-volt AC and 277-volt AC distribution, for the first time in 100 years, approaching sunset. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
Need More Fiber?
By Tony Sprando Commercial AV Designer
Everyone knows about fiber optic cables. The term is one that most people are very familiar with. But unless you work within certain industries, chances are good that this same group of people really don’t understand what these cables are and how they work. This post will synthesize a few resources to share:
- What fiber optic cables are
- How fiber optic cables work
- How to use fiber optic lighting
- Two products we use and recommend
Fiber Optic Cables
Bradley Mitchell, in his article, “What is a Fiber Optic Cable? The Role of Fiber Optic Cables in Computer Networking and the Internet,” shared a simple and concise description:
A fiber optic cable is a network cable that contains strands of glass fibers inside an insulated casing. They’re designed for long distance, very high-performance data networking and telecommunications.
Compared to wired cables, fiber optic cables provide higher bandwidth and can transmit data over longer distances.
Fiber optic cables support much of the world’s internet, cable television and telephone systems.
How Fiber Optic Cables Work
A fun website titled, “Explain That Stuff,” had an equally fun and interesting explanation with graphics.
Author Chris Woodford states, “Light travels down a fiber-optic cable by bouncing repeatedly off the walls. Each tiny photon (particle of light) bounces down the pipe like a bobsleigh going down an ice run. Now you might expect a beam of light, traveling in a clear glass pipe, simply to leak out of the edges. But if light hits glass at a really shallow angle (less than 42 degrees), it reflects back in again—as though the glass were really a mirror. This phenomenon is called total internal reflection. It’s one of the things that keeps light inside the pipe.
The other thing that keeps light in the pipe is the structure of the cable, which is made up of two separate parts. The main part of the cable—in the middle—is called the core and that’s the bit the light travels through. Wrapped around the outside of the core is another layer of glass called the cladding. The cladding’s job is to keep the light signals inside the core. It can do this because it is made of a different type of glass to the core. (More technically, the cladding has a lower refractive index.)
Fiber Optics and Lighting
As we shared earlier, most of us are familiar with fiber optics in a discussion of internet usage and telephone systems. However, many contractors, architects, and AV designers have discovered an additional use – Fiber Optic Lighting. An informative read on this is from Joseph Knisley’s article, “The Fundamentals of Fiber Optic Lighting.”
He states, “Fiber optic lighting continues to interest electrical contractors because of its complexity. As this technology continues to mature and find more applications, recent efforts of industry professionals to create a common vocabulary, calculation procedure, and testing methods will help reduce installation concerns. At the same time, the introduction of more complex acrylic fiber materials, which feature fewer environmental limitations, continue to simplify field installation techniques. In combination, all of these activities will inevitably drive up the demand for fiber optic lighting.”
Several applications and fixtures were listed including:
- Downlighting-type fixtures to provide light beam focusing
- Wall washer and accent fixtures in showcases or displays
- Landscape and exterior fixtures to illuminate landscapes, sidewalks or gardens
- Underwater fixtures to illuminate swimming pools, whirlpools and fountains
- Specialty fixtures provide tiny points of light or decoration
- Custom fixtures in furniture, handrails and artwork
Product Recommendations
Sescom Fiber Audio – Their website states, “Sescom is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high performance audio transformers and professional interface products for the pro-audio industry. Our products are in daily use in speaking, drama, live music, video production, network sports and worship applications. Whether on the stage at Radio City, in the wet grass with the Golf Channel or on the set of CNN, Sescom analog and digital problem solving solutions are the trusted name by seasoned audio professionals since 1975. We remain competitive because of our high quality standards, advanced engineering and genuinely helpful attitude.
Extron Electronics HDMI Fiber Optic Extender – Key features include:
- Transmits HDMI video and embedded multi-channel digital audio signals up to 300 meters (984 feet) over one multimode fiber optic cable
- Supported HDMI specification features include data rates up to 6.25 Gbps, 12-bit Deep Color, HD lossless audio formats, and CEC
- HDCP compliant
- All-digital technology provides pixel-for-pixel performance with signals up to 1920×1200, including HDTV 1080p/60 and 2K
- Supports DDC transmission
- Integrated ultra-flexible HDMI cable
Do You Need More Fiber?
If you are ready to take your AV design to the next level of performance, let’s get connected! To quote Herman Melville, “A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men. Our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects.”
Tony, the AV Guy Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
A Great Time to Be: AV/IT
By Frank Sabella VP of System Integration, Conference Technologies Inc.
I enjoy meeting new people and am always interested and often fascinated by what they do for a living. There are a significant amount of people that work in an industry or job they do not like. In the AV/IT industry there is a long standing joke that once you are in you are in for life. I think that is largely true, I believe that is because those of us who have been fortunate enough to work in this great industry love it unconditionally. The fact is that what we do is hard, if it were not for the “love” I do not think we would see the level of talent and commitment sustain as it has year over year. That said we all have a responsibility to bring new talented people into the industry, we have to bring in and “raise” the next generation of AV/IT professionals.
There are many books and business leaders that suggest that every business has to reinvent itself every five to 10 years. Technology based industries are absolutely required to reestablish themselves and keep innovating. There have been significant changes in the AV/IT industry that define milestones and seem to bring a natural balance to things. Sound contractors used to be the dominant companies, video was deemed “not worth the trouble” and often left to more niche companies. Control systems were also left to those same types of companies focused on those “small” nuances of the industry. Of course we all know what happened, video and control became the focus as computers began to dominate the workplace and sharing information was requested by the clients. Many of the big dominant sound contractors didn’t have the skill set or talent to fulfill these requests from their clients so that niche company quickly rose to the challenge and the AV Integration market was formed. Of course sound is still a crucial factor and making sure the “A” is well thought out in a design is incredibly important.
The change is happening again, in fact it has been taking shape for years. The convergence of audiovideo and information technologies has been occurring and despite the buzzwords there has not been as warm of an embrace as there should be. From an engineering standpoint we can argue for days about the best method to transport high resolution video. The simple fact is every solution varies therefore the transport methods will vary, standardization on transport is not necessary. What we can agree on is the most effective methods rely on standards based on technologies from the IT world. The more critical part of the conversation involving convergence is the focus on having everything connected to create a manageable and fluid ecosystem. The most important components in the AV system and most of the devices connected both up and down stream have intelligence and are addressable. Understanding the manufacturer based technologies is crucial but more critical is to understand how to implement a full end-to-end solution with all of the proper networking hardware and settings considered. There should also be very clear and well thought out planning if existing or client owned networking hardware will be utilized.
The simple fact is that in 2017 we will see the beginning of the “Digital Sunset.” Yes, I assure you this is going to happen. TMDS/Displayport will be shoved aside as IP transport becomes the standard. Many of us have already used IP transport to move video, but this is just the start. The simple fact is that most networks and the existing infrastructure cannot properly handle native 4K signals. 25 gigabit networks and fiber will be necessary to implement high quality video over IP. I have been very passionate in my consultations that fiber infrastructure is critical when building new or retro-fitting any network environment. I continue to see new buildings being cabled with low grade CAT-5/6 with giant bundles going into narrow cable trays. That practice is disheartening as before anyone even occupies the space the bandwidth losses are extreme.
This is a great time to be involved in the AV/IT world because we have the opportunity to establish faster, higher quality, more robust, and consistent solutions to move the signals critical to today’s enterprise, education, entertainment, government, or worship spaces. There is no question that responsible AV/IT firms will continue to utilize fiber and higher bandwidth networking gear to insure that the solutions we are implementing can handle the requirements of high quality signals. The upfront expense is minimal compared to the expense of having to completely redo the infrastructure a few years down the road. I would encourage anyone involved with the management and decision making of your infrastructure and networking appliances to not allow anyone to use improper cabling, appliances or practices inside your facility. The great time we are all excited for will be far more painful if we do not get on the same page and embrace these incredible opportunities to change.
This blog was reprinted with permission from Frank Sabella and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
Is Your Digital Signage Susceptible to Hacking?
By Earl Naegle Peerless-AV
As I’m sure many of you are aware, there were quite a few instances of digital signage hacking this year. One of the most recent incidents, the hacking at Union Station, has stirred up some concern regarding safety for digital signage.
Not to worry! Our team has put together four safety check steps to ensure that your digital signage is up to par regarding hacker prevention.
Is your digital signage physically secure?
This may seem like a trivial question, but you want to make sure that your physical application is secure to prevent onsite tampering. If an intruder gains physical access to your display, it won’t take a mastermind hacker to redirect the content. The hacker could simply unplug your system and plug into their player.
Locks and impact-resistant safety glass can protect the screen against damage and prevent unintended access to the inside of the display.
Are your passwords strong enough?
As a general rule of thumb, for digital signage systems as well as home devices, do not make your password something easily predicted – like Password1234.
Your first line of defense against hacking is a strong password. Be sure to change your password frequently, and do not share the information with non-essential personnel.
Are you using a public network?
If possible, you should use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to increase security. Using a private network ensures data and access remain secure by creating an authentic, encrypted tunnel to pass data over public networks through a secure IP address.
Do you have a crisis plan in place?
If you have taken all other preventative measures, and your digital signage has still been compromised, it’s vital to have a crisis plan prepared. Is someone in charge of monitoring the content? Who should you contact, should there be an issue? These are questions that need to be answered ahead of time. You can also install remote interrupts to shut down the signage if hacking is detected.
These four basic steps can help you safeguard your digital signage and overall, protect your brand’s reputation! Be smart and keep your digital signage safe.
Do you have any other tips for hacker prevention? We’d love to hear from you. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Using Color Psychology to Design Digital Signage MessagesArtists, advertisers and interior designers have long used color to affect moods and emotions. The field of color psychology is still growing and the amount of hard data is small, but experts generally agree that color does play some role in our reactions to visual stimuli. As you design digital signage messages, consider how the colors you’re using can affect your audience.
Each color has meaning for viewers due to our instinctive reactions to nature’s colors and a long history of color conditioning by advertisers. When you’re designing your messages, consider whether you want to stimulate or calm your audience. Do you want to make them happy or relate something serious?
Color certainly plays a big part in basic design principles for contrast and drawing attention, but you can also use colors for emotional triggers. In the Color Emotion Guide published by The Logo Company, they outline various color emotions and show popular logos for each.
Think about the color used for each logo and see if it matches your feelings about the brand:
- Yellow/Gold – Optimism, clarity, warmth
- Orange – Friendly, cheerful, confidence
- Red – Excitement, youthful, bold
- Purple – Creative, imaginative, wise
- Blue – Trust, dependable, strength
- Green – Peaceful, growth, health
- Silver/Gray – Balance, neutral, calm
A lot of color psychology is common sense. You wouldn’t use a dark, dreary color scheme to announce an exciting spring campaign, and you wouldn’t want bright, cheerful colors in a message about a building shutdown.
It’s important to remember that color psychology isn’t concrete across your audience. People’s reactions to colors can obviously be tinted (sorry for the pun) by their own experience and environment. Culture plays a huge part in color interpretation, as well. For example, white is used for innocence, purity and goodness in the West, but is often the color of funerals and mourning in the East.
Although color psychology isn’t an exact science, you can still use the existing research and common trends to help you design digital signage messages. Here are some resources you can use to understand color and its effect on your audience:
This blog was reprinted with permission from VISIX and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Matrox Adds Native Facebook Live and YouTube Live Support to Monarch Encoders Matrox Video today announced a major update to the Matrox Monarch HD and Monarch HDX professional streaming and recording encoders, adding native support for two live video streaming platforms, Facebook Live and YouTube Live.
By simply copying a unique Facebook or YouTube access token from the Monarch’s powerful Command Centre control software and pasting it into their respective Facebook or YouTube account(s), users can now stream directly to their followers with the click of a mouse or push of a button.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
Extron Ships Industry’s First Control Processor With AV LAN Ports and PoE+ In a move to, no doubt, be watched by both Luxul and Pakedge, Extron’s new IPCP Pro 360 is a control processor with three dedicated AV LAN ports and one standard Ethernet port. The control processor provides PoE+ to external devices, eliminating the need for additional power supplies. It features security standards and Gigabit Ethernet ports, which ensure compatibility with multiple TouchLink Pro touchpanels using a standard network infrastructure. The AV LAN ports are designed to control local AV devices, and safeguard them from outside intrusion or interference. The IPCP Pro 360 can be used with Extron LinkLicense, which further enhances the capabilities of Extron Pro Series control systems. The IPCP Pro 360 is an ideal choice for controlling multiple devices and control signal types within AV systems requiring an isolated AV network.
The Extron IPCP Pro 360 can be configured using Global Configurator Plus or Global Configurator Professional software or programmed using Extron Global Scripter. Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
PreSonus Ships AudioBox USB 96 and AudioBox 96 Studio Recording Kit PreSonus is shipping its compact new AudioBox USB 96 audio/MIDI recording interface, which makes recording at up to 24-bit, 96 kHz simpler. Bus-powered and built to travel, the AudioBox USB 96 offers two front-panel combo mic/instrument inputs.
The AudioBox USB 96 is also the centerpiece of PreSonus’ new AudioBox 96 Studio recording kit. It’s designed as a starter kit for a simple studio and combines an AudioBox USB 96 interface with Studio One Artist software, Studio Magic Plug-in Suite, monitoring headphones, a large-diaphragm condenser microphone, and all necessary cables. It’s designed for multitrack song production, demos, songwriting, capturing live performances, podcasting, and field recording for video or sound effects.
AudioBox 96 Studio includes:
AudioBox USB 96 bus-powered audio/MIDI interface with cable
- 24-bit resolution, up to 96 kHz sampling rate
- Two combo mic/instrument inputs and 2 balanced line outputs
- 48V phantom power for M7 condenser microphone
- Zero-latency monitoring via internal mixer
- MIDI I/O
- USB 2.0 bus powered
Studio One Artist recording and production software
- Single-window work environment
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Unlimited audio tracks, MIDI tracks, virtual instruments, buses, and FX channels
- Instantly configures to PreSonus audio interfaces
- 25 Native Effects 32-bit effects and virtual instrument plug-ins
- Compatible with Mac and Windows
Studio Magic Plug-in Suite
- Includes: SPL Attacker, Mäag Audio EQ2, Lexicon’s MPX-i Reverb, Eventide H910 Harmonizer, Eventide 2016 Stereo Room, Brainworx bx_opto compressor, and Arturia’s Analog Lab Lite
- Compatible with Studio One and any DAW for Mac or Windows that supports VST, AU, or AAX
HD7 studio monitoring headphones
PreSonusʼ high-definition HD7 headphones:
- High-resolution neodymium drivers
- Precision acoustic chamber
- Extended bass response
- Lightweight
M7 large-diaphragm studio condenser microphone with cable
- Mic-stand adapter
- Cloth carry bag included
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is available immediately for $99.95; here are the details. The PreSonus AudioBox 96 Studio is available immediately for $199.95; here are those details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Osprey Video Announces Talon G2 Encoder to Stream to Up to Three Destinations SimultaneouslyOsprey Video today announced an extension of its Talon hardware encoder line with the launch of the Talon G2. Like other Talon encoders, the Talon G2 creates live RTMP streams for unmanaged networks such as the internet.
Designed for A/V and broadcast customers looking for end-to-end video-streaming tools for professional workflows, the Talon G2 ingests video from multiple formats, encodes it to H.264 and delivers it over IP. One of the Talon G2’s most important characteristics is its front-facing LCD touch screen, which offers one-touch streaming control. Once the streaming profiles are set up on the back end, which can be done remotely if needed, any user can start or stop encoding operations at the touch of a button. Furthermore, the screen displays continuous feedback on the status of all encoders, so users always know which ones are active versus idle.
Another aspect of the Talon G2 is API-level integrations with both Facebook Live and the Wowza Streaming Cloud streaming service. These integrations, along with one-touch streaming control, bring simplicity and time savings to a process that could otherwise be very cumbersome. For example, streaming to Facebook is a daily practice for many operations, yet Facebook users must configure a new session every time they want to deliver a stream. Osprey Video worked with Facebook on an exclusive interface that makes it possible to configure the Talon G2 for Facebook streaming only once instead of daily. Once configured, users simply press a button. Furthermore, built-in security features make it so that authorized users can start streaming to anyone’s Facebook page (such as a company’s or an executive’s) without needing login credentials, saving even more time while alleviating security concerns over password-sharing.
The Talon G2 encoder ingests video from 3G HD-SDI, HDMI, and composite sources and streams it via RTMP, RTP, or UDP to multiple destinations over IP. Importantly, the Talon G2 can encode and stream to three destinations simultaneously and save to a .TS file, with frame alignment across all streams for multiple-bit-rate streaming.
The Talon G2 encoder is $1,890 and the Talon G1 is $1,690 – both are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
LG Launches Exclusive Program for Architects, Interior Designers and AV ConsultantsLG Electronics USA Business Solutions is introducing LG PRO Design, a loyalty program offering design architectural professionals and consultants an array of resources created to enrich their understanding of and access to LG’s commercial display products, design and technologies.
Developed in consultation with architects, designers and consultant firms, LG Pro Design is an extension of the LG PRO commercial display customer support program. LG PRO Design targets architects, designers and consultants who regularly work on corporate, retail outlets, hospitality and public spaces.
The new program is designed to give professionals, often involved in the integration decision-making process, access to industry trend insights, dedicated technical and sales support, unique product training programs, and research that will enhance their ability to successfully execute their design visions, according to Garry Wicka, head of marketing for LG Electronics USA Business Solutions.
“LG is committed to providing the best support possible to all of its customers, including those recommending product to integrators and end users,” said Wicka. “The LG PRO Design program fosters a network of highly talented professionals in the industry and seeks to increase the success of our design and consultant partners’ businesses by providing them cutting-edge resources tailored to their individual needs.”
Based on feedback on what design and consultant firms look for when specifying technology for a project, LG PRO Design was developed to offer members unique benefits such as enhanced LG sales and technical support, VIP access to LG’s state-of-the-art Business Innovation Center, supplementary product training, enhanced design files and LG PRO Design-specific communications.
For more information, go here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
New Quad Wireless Receiver from AmpliVox Controls Up to Four MicrophonesAmpliVox Sound Systems has introduced a new microphone receiver system to manage up to four wireless microphones from a rack-sized unit.
The S9190 Quad Wireless Microphone Receiver System can be rack mounted for permanent applications or the used for rental or traveling applications. The 2RU roto-molded chassis houses four independent receivers that can be used simultaneously, each with 16 UHF channels of selectivity, audio and RF indicators, volume control and a balanced XLR connector with summed output.
The S9190 systems pairs with AmpliVox’s S1695 Wireless Handheld Mic or S1693 Wireless Headset and Lapel Mic Kits. The Quad Receiver can also be paired with the AmpliVox SW915 Digital Audio Travel Partner PA to connect up to seven wireless mics at once.
The receiver offers a range of 300 feet and is aimed at schools, universities, restaurants, bars, hotel conference rooms, convention halls, corporate boardrooms, churches and more.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
multiCAM Systems Intros Integrated IP Input Support for All-In-One Production Systems multiCAM Systems is launching a new IP interface feature that receives IP video streams directly from the local area network. The new capability, which requires no additional hardware or software, works with the company’s entire product line as well as any PTZ camera available today.
multiCAM Systems’ integrated IP interface supports a much greater number of cameras than is traditionally available through SDI capture cards. The IP functionality also reduces the size and cost of the central server, as all video streams and PTZ camera control are managed over the network without the need for special IT equipment. Customers retain the flexibility to use IP or SDI for each input to support mixed camera environments.
Available immediately, the IP input feature works in Visual Radio applications using MULTICAM RADIO, and it offers native IP connectivity for Visual Radio. On the commercial AV side, the new IP interface is ideal within classrooms, corporate AV environments (meeting and huddle rooms, large conference spaces) and theaters/auditoriums using MULTICAM CONF, MULTICAM E-LEARNING or MULTICAM TRACKING to produce and stream lectures, presentations and live events.
In addition to immediately adding multiple high-quality camera signals to the network, the IP interface enables full PTZ control and power over a single network cable. The latter is possible when using a Power over Ethernet-enabled (PoE) network switch or PoE injector.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
RTI Ships CX10 Countertop/Under-Cabinet Touchpanel RTI today announced that it has begun shipping its all-new CX10 touchpanel. Designed for both commercial and residential applications, the CX10 is a 10-inch, touch-capacitive 1280×800 LCD with an integrated HDBaseT input and stereo speakers. Easy to mount on a countertop or beneath a cabinet, the display has a tilt range from 10 to 90 degrees for the best viewing angle possible. Features include video intercom support and a built-in composite input to view video from security cameras and other devices and a proximity sensor automatically wakes the panel up.
For integrators, the CX10 supports wired 10/100 HDBaseT and wireless Ethernet for seamless setup, two-way control and feedback, and convenient programming updates. The unit is powered by a separate power supply or by Power over Ethernet Plus. The user interface can be customized to provide an intuitive control experience that meets the specific needs of any installation using RTI’s Integration Designer APEX software.
RTI’s CX10 touchpanel is now shipping worldwide. Here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Pexip Infinity Fusion Becomes Certified for Microsoft SkypePexip announced its Infinity Fusion product was certified by Microsoft as a video interoperability solution for Skype for Business Server today. Pexip Infinity Fusion allows Skype for Business meetings and calls to be joined by non-Skype users using video teleconferencing.
Pexip collaborated with Microsoft in the certification of the latest version of Infinity Fusion, which features a gateway mode allowing VTCs to participate directly in Skype conferences. Fusion retains the native end-user experience, eliminating the need for expensive trainings and lowering the cost of implementation and management. The software is designed for any size organization, and specifically with large companies and enterprises in mind, and is able to scale and accommodate any number of users in any number of locations. Pexip Infinity Fusion is certified for on-premises Skype for Business Server 2015 deployments.
Pexip Infinity Fusion addresses very specific needs for many Microsoft customers. Beyond the core Skype for Business interoperability that the certification tests, Fusion has a variety of deployment options, which allow it to scale to a large range of users and locations. It can be deployed to run completely on-premises, in a cloud such as Microsoft Azure or in a combination of the two.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
InFocus Partners With MultiTaction for Collaboration Software and Hardware Solution InFocus Corporation today announced that its BigTouch interactive PC displays have been selected by MultiTaction to offer customers a single, large-screen, hardware and software solution for visual collaboration.
The InFocus BigTouch combines the same functionality as an iPad or tablet but uses Windows 10 Pro PC in a giant capacitive touch screen. The on-board Windows PC has Intel Core i7 processing and solid-state hardware and BigTouch is available in 57-inch and 65-inch with 1080p or 70-inch and 85-inch in native 4K (3840×2160) resolution.
MultiTaction, which will do enterprise demos and seeding with InFocus hardware, offers its MT Canvus collaboration software. Canvus is unique in the way that it helps visualize big data and encourages collaborative working. It enables multiple sources such as video feeds, web-based applications and content from smart devices to run in parallel and remote users can share, manipulate, draw and input information in real-time wherever they are based.
Both the InFocus BigTouch displays as well as MultiTaction Canvus and Canvus Connect are available now and all the details are here. If you want more information on the MultiTaction Canvus, go here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Kaptivo Introduces an Enterprise Version of Their Whiteboard Capture TechnologyKaptivo today announced Kaptivo Enterprise, a new product specifically designed to provide live whiteboard sharing within the corporate meeting rooms, breakout rooms, and huddle rooms.
Kaptivo Enterprise will be available October 2017 (for $699 plus an annual subscription service of $300). Kaptivo claims to transform any standard dry-erase whiteboard into an online collaboration tool. The device is a connected micro-optical camera and advanced processor that sits above any whiteboard. Whiteboards can be shared to anyone via the browser-based Kaptivo client and are securely saved in the cloud with every change.
Kaptivo Enterprise follows Kaptivo Office by using the same proprietary embedded software and patented computer vision technology to automatically identify and extract only important content. This means that Kaptivo eliminates people in front of the whiteboard and other visual distractions such as background shadows, reflections and old marker residue left on the board. Other key Kaptivo benefits include: eliminating the need to take notes or photos of the whiteboard; automatically, capturing an intelligent archive of all board content changes; “rewinding” the whiteboard to a particular point in the meeting to see how an idea developed and sharing a timeline of content that is generated as a PDF document — all without any change to the whiteboarding workflow.
Kaptivo Enterprise features include:
- Share the live whiteboard image remotely to any web browser on any device
- Screen-share in video conferences to all participants anywhere Capture & Save
- Automatically capture an image archive of all board changes
- Download and share the whole meeting as a multi-page presentation
- Enhanced tools for content management: search, translate, annotate and organize whiteboard content
- Ethernet or wireless connectivity to network
- All content served from the device itself; no content is ever stored in the cloud
- No media storage required
- SSL data encryption for all communication
- On-premise hosting option available
- Works with any size of whiteboard or glass board up to 6′ x 4′
- As easy as hanging a picture frame – no technical skills needed
- Takes typically less than three minutes to set up
- Custom length wiring available
- Can be powered through PoE connection
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
ABCOMRENTS Debuts Indoor 2.6mm X2v Absen LED Tile For Rental And ResaleABCOMRENTS, a provider of IT and digital signage solutions, has expanded their inventory once again. The company has added the latest Absen LED tile: the indoor 2.6mm X2v from Absen’s Mobile Indoor/Outdoor Xv-series. ABCOMRENTS purchased 4,000 of the X2v tiles, with 2,000 available by August, the balance due in by September. They are available for both rental and resale. Designed specifically for the rental and staging industry, Absen’s Xv-series sets a new standard for modular LED tiles. The unique 500×562 pixel size and 2.6mm pitch means each tile provides true HD clarity allowing for native 16:9 content design and application. The individual Xv-series tiles have an 8:9 aspect ratio and 192×216 resolution allowing for the industry-standard 16:9 aspect ratio to be matched to any wall size consisting of an even number of columns. The new sizing structure eliminates the need for content to be stretched, distorted, or cropped to fit the screen size. Like other Absen tiles, the indoor X2v tiles can be curved. Integrated latches and custom brackets provide easy concave or convex curving up to five-degree increments. The tiles are suitable for indoor applications that range from concerts and touring, staging and production, to corporate and tradeshow/exhibit needs. You can find them here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Just Add Power to Debut New Products at CEDIA 2017 Just Add Power (J+P) will demonstrate what it’s claiming will be the world’s first 4K network video tiler, the 3G+4+ Tiling Transmitter and Switch Please, a new web application that allows for matrix switching of J+P devices from any web browser, along with its new Plug-Play-Present firmware.
Now shipping, J+P will demonstrate its 3G+4+ Tiling Transmitter. This device can be applied to any size residential installation requiring multiview functionality, providing video support for resolutions up to full 4K with HDR compatibility. Added to the J+P Ultra HD over IP matrix switching system, it enables users to simultaneously watch four video sources in multiple formats, including single-screen, video wall or tiled video. Once tiled, the video feed can be distributed to an unlimited number of screens, making it the ideal solution for commercial spaces. It gives integrators the power to create up to four customizable windows with easy presets, picture-in-picture or picture-over-picture and adjust the transparency of images for multi-layered, dynamic displays. Multiple tiling transmitters can be stacked together to add more sources and allow an infinite number of windows within windows.
Also at the show, J+P will reveal its new Switch Please web application. Designed for both desktop and mobile, the application allows for matrix switching of all J+P 2G and 3G devices from any web browser. The system is dynamically generated based on the switch configuration. Once installed, Switch Please gives installers and end-users the ability to use the Image Pull feature for live video preview, custom name their sources and displays, and show/hide displays and sources on the app interface.
J+P will also display updates to its Plug-Play-Present firmware, which adds logic control to all J+P transmitters, as well as two new additions to the company’s 3G Ultra HD over IP platform. Users connect any source to any HDMI or VGA transmitter, and the transmitter does all the work. Designed for any size of 4K HDMI distribution and HDMI matrixing application, the new entry-level 3G Ultra HD over IP models allow integrators to mix and match components in a system to better manage their hardware budget on projects with 4K HDMI distribution requirements — including 4K with HDR distribution — without sacrificing enhanced functionality such as audio extraction, downmixing from Dolby 5.1, and CEC control in zones.
All the products are already on their website here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Mackie Thump Series Gets Redesign and Expanded LineupMackie just launched the redesigned Thump SeriesPowered Loudspeakers – Thump12A, Thump15A, Thump12BST, Thump15BST and Thump18S. Mackie says the new 13000W Thump Series delivers more power and reliability and add features like built-in mixers, speaker modes and more. Totally new for the Thump Series are two Thump Boosted models, the 12″ Thump12BST and 15″ Thump15BST.
The Thump Series is equipped with custom-designed, high-output woofers and 1.4″ titanium dome compression drivers plus an ultra-efficient amplifier design with Dynamic Bass Response technology and next-generation system protection. So when you need maximum performance and chest-pounding bass, Thump loudspeakers will always have the power on tap that you need.
The 1300W Thump12A and Thump15A feature a built-in two-channel mixer equipped with Vita preamps and Wide-Z technology that can easily handle mics, instruments and line level signals without any additional equipment or adjustments. Plus, with four application-specific speaker modes, you can optimize the system for your needs at the push of a button.
The Thump12BST and Thump15BST models include wireless control, linking, and streaming. They include a built-in 3-channel digital mixer that features two digitally controlled Vita+ preamps with Wide-Z technology, three-band EQ per channel with variable high-pass filters on Vita+ inputs, and six speaker modes. For convenient control and visibility, the back panel features a crystal clear, high-resolution color display showing channel metering, levels, EQ, and more.
With Thump Boosted you can pair your Bluetooth enabled device to a Thump Boosted speaker and stream music directly to your Thump system. In addition to back panel control, Thump Boosted gives you complete wireless control over everything using the Thump Connect app available for iOS and Android devices. Quickly access levels, EQ, meters, and configuration.
Thump Boosted loudspeakers can wirelessly link directly to each other at up to 100 meters for music streaming applications plus give you wireless control over the entire system via the Thump Connect app.
The Mackie Thump Series includes the 12″ Thump12A, 15″ Thump15A, 12″ Thump12BST, 15″ Thump15BST, and the 18″ Thump18S and will be available beginning in September. Sold individually, the US MSRP pricing is $419.99 for the Thump12A, $489.99 for the Thump15A, $559.99 for the Thump12BST, $699.99 for the Thump15BST, and $879.99 for the Thump18S.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Spectrum Introduces New Flex Active Table Spectrum Industries just launched the Flex Active Table. Designed with collaboration in mind, teachers can easily move these tables around to create the perfect working environment.
From active learning environments to meeting rooms, the Flex Active Table can meet the needs of any collaboration layout, while ADA compliant seating allows you to engage any user in any environment. The locking casters provide quick and easy room reconfiguration and storage capabilities. Tables are available in 48-, 60- and 72-inch wide versions, along with 24 or 30 depths to fit into any space. The optional Modesty Panel, available in coordinating laminate or metal finish, provides privacy and design appeal.
Multiple size options and the choice to add a power module and wire management kit help make this the perfect solution for any space. The Flex Active Table comes with a variety of quick power options. The Cove Power Module allows for a quick connect from each table. The Easy Power Connection allows each table to join, allowing only one final cord to plug in and power all tables.
The Flex Active Table has a scratch and impact-resistant high-pressure laminate work surface that is made to last while durable powder coated steel legs add strength and a contemporary look. A worksurface brace is incorporated into every table to minimize flexing over time.
The Flex Active Table can be ordered in our Spectrum Expressions line of laminate and metal colors which are designed to match our furniture to your room décor. The metal colors provide a tough, wear-resistant finish to metal parts. The laminates covers all work surfaces and the matching vinyl edge trim provides the appearance of elegant custom built furniture. The Flex Active Tables is also offered in a white dry erase laminate finish.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Sonnet Announces Mac- and Windows-Compatible Thunderbolt 3 to Dual DisplayPort AdapterSonnet Technologies today announced the latest addition to its expanding Thunderbolt 3 product line, the Thunderbolt 3 to Dual DisplayPort Adapter. The bus-powered device enables users to connect up to two 4K ultra-high-definition (UHD) DisplayPort (DP) monitors or one 5K DP monitor to a single Thunderbolt 3 port on their computers.
For many users of thin and light notebook computers wanting to connect two large UHD monitors, an adapter to connect them is required — most laptop and notebook computers lack the DP ports featured on UHD monitors. Sonnet’s Thunderbolt 3 to Dual DisplayPort Adapter is a plug-and-play solution for adding dual DP port connectivity to most computers with Thunderbolt 3 ports. Users simply plug in the Sonnet adapter to their computers, connect the monitors with standard DP cables (sold separately), and then configure the displays through the operating system.
Although the Sonnet Thunderbolt 3 to Dual DisplayPort Adapter supports up to two 4K DP monitors at 60 hertz or one 5K DP monitor at 60 hertz, it also supports monitors with lower resolutions, such as full HD 1080p (1920×1080) and 1920 x 1200, making it well-suited for different home and office workspace applications. Plus, the Sonnet adapter’s built-in audio support ensures that there’s no need to connect additional cables to hear sound from the monitors. For added convenience, the Sonnet adapter is also compatible with “active” DP-to-HDMI, DP-to-DVI and DP-to-VGA adapters, enabling the connection of a wider variety of monitors.
The Sonnet Thunderbolt 3 to Dual DisplayPort Adapter is available now for $89. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe AVBuyers.Club 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 and HomeAV industries, 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 or say anything good (or bad).
To send me feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas, Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com.
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship newsletter with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in 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. rAVe Radio, our podcast network, was launched in 2012. AVBuyers.Club, our first publications targeted at end users, launched in May 2015. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
To read more about my background, our team and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com. Back to Top |
Copyright 2017 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: Sara@rAVePubs.com
rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
|
|
|