Get With the (AV) Program
By Greg Bronson, CTS-D Let's say a friend invites you to a Halloween party. You make a note on your social calendar to attend and the night before, give some thought to a costume to wear. You show up and pretty quickly realize that it's a themed party, and your toga doesn't remotely fit the theme. Furthermore, you find out that it's also a charitable event and you were supposed to bring canned food "treats" that will be used as part of a gag "trick or treat" game throughout the evening. A well-disguised attendee walks by and without skipping a beat says, "Hey, get with the program, [insert your name here]!"
You’re likely thinking two things: 1) how fast can I get the hell out of here? and 2) where is that “friend” that invited you? You want to ring his neck before you leave! However, before exiting stage right, you see several copies of printed invitations lying about, which have outlined the key elements of the event.
Ok. Let’s view this in an AV Club context. The printed invitation is to the above party-goer what an AV program document is to those seeking to embark on an AV project of any significance. Is it absolutely necessary? Maybe not — experienced AV Pros can likely rip off multiple projects without issuing, or even reading one. But even if the worse kind of outcome (like our Halloween nightmare) doesn’t come true, there is a greater chance that the smaller details that truly set one apart from the crowd will not be realized.
With the AV program, someone in the AV know, has applied his own knowledge, as well as time, with the real end users to determine what it is they need to do. Next, he matches those needs to the best technologies that he thinks will facilitate those needs. Lastly, he “runs it from the top” to work through any gaps between what’s desired and what can be delivered.
Here are three important themes to consider, and apply, with an AV program. These span from before the project actually begins, while the project is underway, and lastly when the project has concluded.
Don’t assume to know what the end user wants/needs (Develop): Many times what is really needed is somewhere between what the end user thinks he want and what the designer is initially thinking. Being open (certainly on both sides of the equation) to pursuing a variation of what initially is proposed may lead to a more satisfied client. In the end, it’s a heck of lot easier (and cheaper) to do iterations of a program than it is to re-design (and/or build) a system that someone is disappointed with.
Question if key decisions will impact what the end user expects (Reference): Reading the invite (which is now “too little, too late”), you may have gotten the overall idea of why to bring canned goods to a Halloween party, but it didn't explain exactly how to play the game. Well, that’s similar with the AV program. These documents are lacking (intentionally) in detail. And while there is likely a specification that has that detail, it’s important to periodically check back to the program to make sure the high level goals outlined are not getting adversely impacted by the day to day project issues that come up.
Verify what the end user got is what originally was requested (Review): Ever wonder why AV programs are not accepted best practice addendums to bid specifications? Surprisingly, in the steps between design and build, the folks that are actually building the AV system typically never see the original AV program. So if they don’t, it’s even more important that the folks originally involved in ascertaining the end user criteria review the final result (before the end user does) for a reality check. If all is well, the new technology laid out in the spec and implemented in the context of the built environment will be in alignment with what the real end user had in mind.
So get with the AV program, [insert your name here], and promote it being developed, referenced and reviewed. In AV, unlike togas, one size does not fit all.
The views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the authors’ employer(s), past or present.
Greg Bronson, CTS-D, applies AV technologies in the development of innovative learning spaces for higher education. Greg spent the first 10 years of his career as AV technician and service manager, with the past 12+ years as an AV system designer and project manager. Bronson currently works for Cornell University and has also worked for two SUNY (State University of New York) campuses, as well as a regional secondary education service depot. Bronson is the originator of concept for Infocomm’s Dashboard for Controls and has had completed projects featured in industry publications. You can reach Greg at gregthetechie@netscape.net
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Vaddio Announces Trade-In Program Let’s face it. Old technology is labor intensive and expensive to repair, providing you can even get it repaired. Don't get stuck with an obsolete tracking system. Take advantage of the Vaddio Trade-In Program for ParkerVision legacy customers and receive money off a new Vaddio AutoTrak system.
AutoTrak is Vaddio’s newest automated camera tracking system designed for educational and corporate training facilities. The instructor wears a lanyard system that allows the AutoTrak PTZ camera to follow them in a smooth accurate panning motion, as they walk around the presentation area of a classroom.
Want one? Trade in your existing ParkerVision video equipment before March 31, 2012 and receive a $1,500 credit toward the purchase of Vaddio's AutoTrak system. More details can be found at http://www.vaddio.com/parkerVision-offer.php Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Extron Ships Another Energy Star Qualified Amp Extron has started shipping the MPA 152, an ENERGY STAR-qualified, integrated mini power amplifier. The MPA 152 provides stereo amplification for speaker systems in classrooms and other applications requiring compact, economical audio solutions. This ENERGY STAR-qualified amplifier features a highly efficient, advanced Class D amplifier design with patented CDRS (Class D Ripple Suppression) technology that provides a smooth, clean audio waveform and an improvement in signal fidelity over conventional Class D designs, according to Extron. This high efficiency design allows the amplifier to be fanless and operate in environments with little or no ventilation.
The MPA 152 is an energy efficient (GreenAV) product with an auto power-down feature that automatically places the amplifier into standby after 25 minutes of inactivity. It consumes 3 watts when idle and less than 1 watt in standby mode. The MPA 152 is housed in a compact, 1U, quarter-rack-width enclosure, and is UL 2043 plenum rated, allowing for a concealed installation above a drop ceiling. It delivers 15 watts rms per channel into 4 ohms and 8 watts rms into 8 ohms.
Details and specs on the MPA 152 are here: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=mpa152ad Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Premier Ships VESA 100 Compact Tilt Mount Premier Mounts is now shipping the PRT-100 tilting compact mount for flat panels, fitting VESA patterns from 75×75mm to 100×100mm and providing a 12-degree tilt. Premier says the slim design of the PRT-100 is sturdy enough to hold flat panels weighing up to 50 pounds, though it's only 1.91" deep.
The PRT-100 is $49. More information can be found here: http://www.mounts.com/ Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Viewsonic Now Makes LED Projectors ViewSonic today unveiled its brand new LED projector line, including the PLED-W200 and PLED-W500. Both ultra portable and energy-efficient, the projectors feature miniature form factors (pico projectors) and a 20,000-hour long-life LED light source. They are both 3D-ready with 120Hz frame rates, offer WXGA (1280×800) resolution and 500 lumens (not ANSI) brightness, and include HDMI and VGA ports, plus USB with 1GB of internal memory for computer-less presentations.
The PLED-W200 is less than one pound, with specs here: http://www.viewsonic.com/products/pledw200.htm The PLED-W500 is less than three pounds and specs are here: http://www.viewsonic.com/products/pled-w500.htm Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Chief Adds More InfoComm CEU Courses Chief's Certified Partner Program is now worth 10.5 CTS RUs from InfoComm, now that the company's added new interactive training modules, available in both installation and product tracks. With more than 1,700 active users, Chief’s Certified Partner Program helps dealers and installers stand out from the competition. Courses offered through the program help improve business results, differentiate business owners, and improve overall mount product knowledge. Each track is focused on a specific need and walks through scenarios in common applications.
Certification courses are also accredited by CEDIA for 5.25 CEUs as well as the all-new Digital Signage Experts Group (DSEG) for 2 learning units and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for 1 credit. Along with free industry credits, those who complete Chief’s Certified Partner program also receive exclusive benefits, including access to a certified partner portal.
The following new courses are now live on the Chief Certified Partner Program website:
Training Room: Focused on training room environments, this new module reviews Chief’s PXR Automated Swing Arm Wall Mount, K1 Series Kontour™ Monitor Arms, SL220 Automated Projector Mount and Raxxess® F1 Series Furniture Racks.
Control Room: This module highlights the Chief solutions available for control room settings. The course explores a number of Raxxess rack solutions, including the S1 Knock-Down Series, the E1 Enclosed Series and Config-U-Raxx lines, as well as a workstation monitor mount featuring the new K2 Series Kontour Monitor Arm.
Mounting Solutions for Flat Screens and AV Equipment: Chief also has an AIA-accredited course focused on incorporating mount solutions into architectural designs. This training offers tips and tricks on how to select the best mounting solution for your project, examples of applications for mounting solutions, and detailed case studies documenting successful projects. It also provides information on how to account for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines in your design. For AIA credit, this course must be taken through Hanley Wood University.
For more information on these courses, including their specific industry credit value, please go to http://certification.chiefmfg.com.
Also, later this month Chief is launching three additional training courses:
Automated Classroom: In today’s world, technology in classrooms is more important than ever. Chief offers a number of solutions to help integrate a classroom, including the CoPilot AV Room System, the Interactive Short Throw Projector Mount, Kontour Monitor Arms and the SL220 Automated Projector Mount, all of which are featured in this module.
Elite Home Theater: This module explores the solutions available for high-end home theaters, including the PXR Automated Swing Arm Wall Mount, the Raxxess E1 Enclosed Racks, and the Thinstall® Series of Ultra-thin Swing Arm Wall Mounts and Accessories.
Classroom Audio — A study of Acoustic Barriers to Learning: The acoustics of a learning environment play a critical role in how well a student can learn. This course reviews the issues surrounding acoustic barriers, the standards in place to measure them, and how the barriers affect students. The course will be available for AIA credit at Hanley Wood University later this month.
To sign up for Chief’s Certified Partner Program and start the free interactive training, visit http://certification.chiefmfg.com Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Epson Aims Latest Two Projectors at ED Market Yesterday, Epson introduced the Epson PowerLite S11 and X12 projectors – two bright, affordable and fairly feature-rich projectors. Starting at $449 and $549 the PowerLite S11 and X12 replace the PowerLite S9 and X9 and, offering increased brightness (spec'd at 2,600 and 2,800 lumens, respectively), flexible setup features (USB plug-n-play, RS232 and IP connectivity and horizontal and vertical keystone) and a 5000 hour lamp. Both 3LCD projectors have VGA and HDMI inputs. The S11 is SVGA (800×600) and the X12 is XGA (1024×768).
Full specs are here: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/EdProjectors/Home/K12.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Christie to Ship 7K and 12K Lumen Projectors in November Two of Christie's top new introductions from InfoComm will ship in less than a month — the LHD700 and the LX1200. The LHD700 is a 3LCD single-lamp, portable projector that has 7000 ANSI lumen brightness, is 1920×1080 native, includes a 3000:1 contrast ratio, a 2000 hour lamp and is integrated with 4DColor technology that claims a 20 percent increase in color gamut over comparable 3LCD models. The LX1200 is also a 3LCD dual-lamp projector that is spec'd at 12,000 ANSI lumens with native XGA (1024×768) resolution, a 2000 hour lamp, 4000:1 contrast ratio and is also integrated with 4DColor technology.
Both projectors are integrated with 10-bit video processing, have a range of short and long throw lenses, and include an eco-mode for lower cost operation in low light environments.
Full specs for the LHD700 are here: http://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/business/products/projectors/lcd-display/Pages/Christie-LHD700-3lcd-projector.aspx
Full specs for the LX1200 are here: http://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/business/products/projectors/lcd-display/pages/christie-lx1200-3lcd-projector.aspx Leave a Comment
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Click here for more information Tannoy Adds Pendant Loudspeaker Tannoy has released a brand new range of 'open ceiling' hanging-pendant loudspeakers in the form of the OCV Series — a self-contained, lightweight cylindrical enclosure.
Engineered specifically for applications where audio coverage is required in high or open-ceilinged spaces, such as airports, railway stations, malls or double height commercial floors, the cylindrical form-factor is aimed at the architectural sector of AV. It minimizes the impact on aesthetics and allows the systems designer to locate the loudspeakers discretely at a desired height without regard to the physical ceiling height, and in a manner that won’t conflict with other suspended systems such as lighting fixtures and ventilation.
Available in black or white, the OCV Series is called a full-bandwidth open-ceiling speaker system by Tannoy. Each model (the OCV 6 or OCV 8) is built around a mid-bass driver, 150 mm (6”) or 200 mm (8") respectively, with a coaxially-mounted 19 mm (0.75”) high frequency section –- all mounted in a steel powder-coated grille cylindrical steel enclosure. The mineral loaded polypropylene cone material and nitrile rubber surround of the driver assembly enhances durability and provides long-term reliability, while the enclosure is IP54 rated for dust and water ingress and is UV resistant, which Tannoy says that makes it suitable for operating within high temperature and high humidity environments.
Check out all the specs here: http://www.tannoy.com Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Samsung Ships SXGA Document Camera The new Samsung SDP-960 is its newest SXGA (30fps) document camera that comes with a built-in preview monitor, digital image rotation, a mask function and a stored profile of only 2.6" in height. Equipped with Samsung’s proprietary ISP chipset and 2D/3D dual noise reduction technology, the camera uses a 1.39 megapixel CMOS (single-chip) image sensor, has 2 VGA input ports, a DVI output (analog) and mic in and out. Control is either via RS232 or IP.
For complete details, go here: http://www.samsungpresenterusa.com/products/productdetails.asp?ProductID=37 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top | Extron Ships Two New Matrix Boards for SMX Extron has announced the immediate availability of two new USB matrix switcher boards for the SMX System MultiMatrix modular, field-upgradeable matrix switcher. The SMX USB matrix boards are designed to route up to eight Host CPUs to up to four peripheral locations equipped with one or more USB 2.0 devices, such as keyboards and mice, Web cams, personal media players or portable hard drives. They support data transfer rates up to 480 Mbps and are compatible with USB 2.0/1.1/1.0 specifications. Host and Peripheral Emulation is provided on all ports for reliable, problem-free boot up, even without a tie being made to a connected device. SMX USB matrix switcher boards are ideal for use in the creation of KVM — keyboard, video, mouse matrix applications when combined with available SMX DVI, HDMI or VGA matrix switching boards. SMX USB matrix boards are available in two I/O sizes — 4×4 and 8×4.
The SMX System MultiMatrix Series of digital and analog multi-plane matrix switchers combines multiple, independent matrix switchers in a modular, field-configurable frame. SMX frames are available in sizes from 2U up to 5U that are capable of supporting up to 10 separate matrix boards, which can be switched independently or simultaneously, under a single point of control.
Complete specs are here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=smxusb&s=0 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Epson Intros Four More ED Projectors This week Epson introduced the four new PowerLite projectors aimed at the education market in the form of the 420, 425W, 430 and 435W — all are short-throw projectors. In addition, Epson debuted the BrightLink Solo 3, a new optional interactive module that makes any flat projection surface interactive at an affordable price of $499.
The 3LCD PowerLite 420 ($949), 425W ($1,049), 430 ($1,049) and 435W ($1,149) are designed to be wall- or ceiling-mounted short throw projectors for use with standard dry erase or interactive whiteboards or white walls or table surfaces. The PowerLite 430 and 435W claim 3000 lumens and the PowerLite 420 and 425W are spec'd at 2500 lumens. All four of them offer analog and digital inputs, HDCP processing, IP-control and presentations, USB PC-less presentation capability, 15-degree H and V keystone correction and instant on/off.
The PowerLite 420 and 430 are XGA 1024×768 resolution (4:3), while the PowerLite 425W and 435W are WXGA 1280×768 resolution (16:10). All of them can project images up to 113" diagonally.
For complete specs, go here: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/EdProjectors/Home/K12.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top VMP Debuts DVR Lockbox for Racks Video Mount Products has designed a locking DVR rack shelf, dubbed the DVR-MB1, that's selling for $230. The DVR-MB1 has interior dimensions of 17” W x 13.8” D x 3” H and the capability to be mountable on left, right, bottom or rear sides with securing strips and a removable top. It includes a front panel lock, rack ears, plus a fan and plenty of vents (as DVRs run hot as we all know). It's also 100 percent steel frame construction.
For complete specs, you'll have to wait as it's not on the VMP website, yet. But, when it is, it'll be here: http://www.videomount.com/pages/Security-Mounts/17 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Community Adds Surface Mount Speakers to Design Series Community has expanded the Distributed Design Series of high-performance ceiling-mount loudspeakers with the addition of new 5" and 8" surface-mount models. The 5-inch DS5 is a two-way compact system for small installs, while the 8-inch DS8 provides higher sound pressure levels, higher sensitivity and greater bass extension for larger systems. In addition, the company added an 8" DS8SUB subwoofer that is compatible with both the 5" and 8" systems. The DS-Series is equipped with built-in autoformers that enable full output with 70V or 100V distribution lines. All models accommodate 8-ohm as well as 70V/100V applications with a convenient front-accessible power tap switch located behind a rotatable logo.
The DS5, DS8 and DS8SUB are available in standard black or white finishes and all the specs are here: http://www.communitypro.com/index.php/product-list/377-distributed-design-series-surface-mount Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Kramer Intros Ceiling Speakers Dubbed the SPK-CCF848, the newest product from Kramer is a ceiling speaker that the company is aiming totally towards the education market. Using Kramer's so-called "Equal Sound Dispersion" (ESD) technology, the speakers are available in configurations of stereo or mono, full-tile or half-tile versions. Constructed with a central driver and four pivoting tweeters, Kramer says they can handle 180° sound dispersion with one speaker.
The SPK-CCF848 is housed in a 4-inch-deep enclosure. You can see all the specs here: http://www.kramerus.com/products/model.asp?pid=2125 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top In Kick-Ass Cool News: New Throwable Panoramic Ball Camera Announced No, this is not a disposable camera, but you do throw this netball-like camera up, up and away. When it reaches its apex, it snaps a single, instant 360-degree panorama. Padded foam saves this camera from being a ex post facto disposable.
This technology now makes panoramic shots a toss-up with taking a normal photo. This ball camera from the Computer Graphics Group at TU Berlin, avoids traditional difficulties by simultaneously firing off 36 fixed-focus two-megapixel mobile phone camera modules at the highest point of its flight.
An accelerometer keeps track of the ball's acceleration: as the ball reaches its maximum arc it comes to a near stand-still. As its upward velocity and the down-pull of gravity equalize each other, that’s when it snaps a 360 degree photo.
Buckminster Fuller would have loved the padded geo-design and the Hulk would approve the color.
Once you catch the ball camera (or pick it up from a bounce), you can take the images off the device with USB, and you can view the photos in 360-degree using a “spherical panoramic viewer.”
Want to see for yourself how this works? Watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Th5zlUe6gOE#! Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Samsung SUPERHERO Video Competition Allows Kids to be Creative and Have Fun While Learning Samsung Techwin America’s Electronic Imaging Division yesterday announced its Fall SUPERHERO Competition, where the student who wins gets $500 and their class receives a SAMCAM 860 document camera.
Any student in grades K-12 who attends school in the United States or a Federal Territory is eligible to enter a digital video of 1-3 minutes in length. Students are to portray a historical character and will be judged on presentation performance, character and content accuracy, and content quality. Fall competition entries are due November 30, 2011. One student winner will be selected and will receive $500. In addition, a SAMCAM 860 document camera will be given to the student's class. Students just need to go to http://www.samsungk-12.com to enter.
For more information about Samsung Techwin America’s Electronic Imaging Division and its full line of document cameras, call 877-213-1222, ext. 3306 or go to: http://www.samsungpresenterusa.com Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Christie to Ship 7K and 12K Lumen Projectors in November Two of Christie's top new introductions from InfoComm will ship in less than a month — the LHD700 and the LX1200. The LHD700 is a 3LCD single-lamp, portable projector that has 7000 ANSI lumen brightness, is 1920×1080 native, includes a 3000:1 contrast ratio, a 2000 hour lamp and is integrated with 4DColor technology that claims a 20 percent increase in color gamut over comparable 3LCD models. The LX1200 is also a 3LCD dual-lamp projector that is spec'd at 12,000 ANSI lumens with native XGA (1024×768) resolution, a 2000 hour lamp, 4000:1 contrast ratio and is also integrated with 4DColor technology.
Both projectors are integrated with 10-bit video processing, have a range of short and long throw lenses, and include an eco-mode for lower cost operation in low light environments.
Full specs for the LHD700 are here: http://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/business/products/projectors/lcd-display/Pages/Christie-LHD700-3lcd-projector.aspx
Full specs for the LX1200 are here: http://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/business/products/projectors/lcd-display/pages/christie-lx1200-3lcd-projector.aspx Leave a Comment
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