Volume 4, Issue 10 — October 30, 2013
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InfoComm: Bring Us Your Huddled Masses — to Collaborate
By Dan Daley Special to InfoComm International
Like “punt” and “Hail Mary pass,” the huddle room draws its name from football terminology embedded deep in the lexicon of American business. It’s also the outcome of a long-term trend in corporate architecture by which traditional, closed-off offices have faded from favor, while wide-open workspaces pioneered by high-tech firms in Silicon Valley and SoHo have grown popular.
Intended to encourage collaboration, these spaces eventually became so wide and so open that workers began to feel the primal pangs for someplace to get together and shelter themselves from the office environment buzzing around them. That space became the huddle room, or huddle space, a concept that’s been around longer than we’ve had a moniker for it (although NewVista Advisors, a New York City IT management consulting company, staked a claim to it in 2003).
If the need for a huddle room is clear, its definition, particularly in terms of audio and video technology, is less so. One of its defining characteristics is its ad hoc availability, free from rigid automated scheduling systems. Yet a huddle room or space still has to contain some basic AV and IT components to be useful. What those components are exactly server to underscore how the technical definition of a huddle room is a moving target.
‘Not a Downsized Boardroom’
“A huddle room is a formalization of something that’s supposed to be informal, which is pretty ironic,” says Bruce Kaufman president and CEO of Human Circuit, an AV design and integration company based in Gaithersburg, Md.
Kaufman says there’s a tendency to look at huddle rooms as simply smaller versions of boardrooms or even video teleconferencing suites. That, he believes, is a problem that cuts more than one way. When it comes to those larger, conference room-style spaces, Kaufman warns against the perception that huddle rooms could simply replace them. And when it comes to huddle rooms themselves, he says such spaces would lose the immediacy and intimacy that spawned them in the first place if they were to be too elaborately outfitted with technology.
“A huddle room is not a downsized boardroom,” Kaufman says. “But with shrinking office-space budgets, people sometimes look at it that way. I’m hoping that integrators and their clients see the huddle room for what it is: an adjunct space to boardrooms and meeting rooms, not a replacement for them.”
AV manufacturers have certainly noticed the huddle-room trend. Companies such as AMX, Barco, Christie, and Crestron used the most recent InfoComm show to demonstrate solutions, some of which are scaled for the huddle-room concept, such as Barco’s ClickShare, and others developed especially for it, like Crestron’s AirMedia wireless HD presentation solution, which was designed for small conference rooms and spaces that don’t have an AV system.
These solutions specialize at getting documents and other media from BYOD users’ laptops and smartphones to shared displays. For instance, using AirMedia, users can enter the huddle room, connect to the existing display over Wi-Fi and wirelessly present HD content from their own device. Content from up to four devices can be shown simultaneously on one room display, and up to 32 users can connect at once. Barco’s ClickShare now works via Apple and Android apps, which support JPEG images and PDF documents; iPads can share video content from the tablet to a shared screen via Apple’s AirPlay using ClickShare Link.
Keep in mind, however, that integrators and technology managers should pay attention to solution costs and how they affect the huddle room’s identity. Derek Holbrook is principal sales engineer at Verrex Corp., a New Jersey integrator that specializes in high-end corporate meeting spaces. Recently, Verrex has also integrated scores of huddle spaces to go along with its corporate projects. He says the AV budget for an average huddle space is around $6,000, with a few approaching $10,000. Depending on the huddle-friendly presentation solution and related AV equipment, you can eat up that budget in a hurry.
“Some of the products being marketed to this segment have pretty high costs, but they’re targeting a segment that is emphasizing quantity over quality,” says Holbrook. Customers often don’t want a few huddle rooms—they want several, which add up. Verrex recently installed a dozen huddle rooms in the Global Services Center of law firm Bingham McCutchen in Lexington, Ky., where it also also built three conventional meeting rooms.
“Most of these spaces are pretty basic, with a 42-inch LCD display mounted on the wall and some cable for connecting laptops,” Holbrook says. “There are a couple speakers mounted next to the screen and maybe a webcam on top of it. And for many of these kinds of huddle rooms, that’s really all they need. There are workplace strategists who believe that the audio and video don’t really have to be much better than the iPhones we also use for work.” Holbrook says in certain situations, he’s found that Extron’s TeamWork collaborative system fits both the cost and functionality requirements of huddle spaces.
Continual Development
The proliferation of huddle rooms has prompted changes in the way companies think of presentation solutions. David Silberstein, director of commercial marketing at Crestron, whose AirMedia platform was priced with the huddle room in mind, says that although the huddle room concept has been around a while, a drop in the costs of displays and broadband is what precipitated manufacturers’ rush into the market with flexible, easy-to-install solutions. “It’s become affordable to the point that you can no longer do your job without that kind of technology being available throughout your workplace,” he says.
AMX introduced its app-and-cloud-based Enzo system at InfoComm 2013, a content-sharing and meeting-scheduling system that will ship in December. AMX Vice President for Global Marketing Joe Andrulis says Enzo grew out of the realization that even as traditional AV meeting products and systems have grown more affordable over time, they would not be able to reach a price point that the huddle concept demanded. Huddle spaces require new designs.
“What we’re seeing, from a work-style point of view, is transitioning from a structured model of collaboration to one of continuous collaboration,” he explains. “That changes the relationship between the space and the technology.”
Huddle-room systems aimed at impromptu meetings must still take into account the fact that not all of the participants may be physically present, even for quick huddles. Christie’s Brio presentation system, also introduced at InfoComm 2013, uses wired or wireless connections to share up to five simultaneous audio and video presentations on one or two meeting-room displays. All users, even those not physically present in the room, can collaborate on and annotate the material.
Ultimately, the definition of a huddle space will differ by user. Some want only the most basic solutions, including no AV at all, but just a conference phone and access to the building’s Wi-Fi cloud for presenting on a laptop screen. While others will want huddle rooms that resemble mini conference rooms, with multiple screens and short-throw projectors.
Either way, huddle rooms won’t be going away any time soon. Businesses operating smarter since the recession, plus the exponential growth of mobile devices, have led to the current dynamic — AV integrators report that office designs increasingly have huddle spaces included in the architects’ blueprints. In other words, the huddle room has quickly become an institution of American office culture — like the water cooler, and Monday morning quarterbacks.
This article was reprinted with permission from InfoComm International and originally appeared here.
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What You Should Know About Lifecycle Assessment
By Midori Connolly AVGirl Productions
OK folks, dig your tailbone into your seat and maybe grab a cup of coffee before you delve into this month’s column. It’s going to be more technical than usual, but I’ll keep it as relevant and useful as possible. Last month, we spoke about transparency, and how that can have huge implications in a world where one voice can change the course of business for a multimillion dollar global organization. As a follow up, I want to discuss what a Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) entails, and how it can help a business.
The LCA is defined by the U.S. EPA as: “A technique to assess the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service, by compiling an inventory of relevant energy and material inputs and environmental releases; evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with identified inputs and releases; interpreting the results to help you make a more informed decision.”
What the LCA essentially does is assesses the environmental impact of a product from the point of sourcing raw materials, to transportation and packaging of a product, to the final disposal of that product. Sometimes this is referred to as “Cradle to Grave.”
Performing the actual LCA process is probably not necessarily an amateur undertaking. For instance, I tried to do a quick review of an office scanner, using various data points that I obtained from a publicly available database. What I got was: “Office scanner: ProductFlow kg 8.70e+00.” Um, yeah. Not the faintest idea. With a little further research, I discovered that there are a multitude of databases that allow you to provide information, such as the number of miles a TOTO toilet travels to its place of use, then includes details such as the grams of barium in the product. It produces a report on everything from the economic to environmental performance of that product over the course of its life. I encourage you to give it a spin yourself. Visit the National Institute of Standards and Technology and check out its BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability) software.
Want more information? I’m sure you do — but before you tackle this concept, let me warn you. Many of the resources are actually pretty mind-numbing, unless you happen to be one of my product engineer readers, and then you will be all over this stuff like my 6 year old and her secret stash of candy corn (hey – it is October). Then again, I did find an interesting study that claims videoconferencing takes 6.7 percent of the energy/carbon of a face-to-face meeting. (This stuff can get really distracting for a greenie, trust me.) That being said, here are a few resources that I found really helpful:
Want an elementary overview of LCA? Here is one from Scholastic.
Looking for some of the LCA databases used in buildings? Try the Athena Sustainable Materials Institute.
A paid LCA professional service and software tool, PE International.
And, finally, the good old U.S. EPA has a ton of great resources.
What makes LCA especially beneficial is that there is generally an associated economic assessment that can be made about the product as well. This could prove to be highly useful for the end user, architect or builder. They could plug in this basic information about a product (such as this LCA report by Casio) and see how it fits into their sustainability goals. This is the type of data we can supply to become more transparent and meet our client needs. Leave a Comment
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rESPeCt – Find Out What That Means to Me
By Raymond Kent Managing Principal, Sustainable Technologies Group
There are many in the audiovisual technology industry who chide those of us who beat the drum for designing and implementing technology solutions in the built environment with a heavy focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. Their argument is one of profit versus performance, survivability versus conscience. Coming out of a major recession where many firms are holding on by a shoestring only bolsters their derision. Unfortunately they, in my opinion, are not looking at the forest through the trees, which is evident in the lack of conversation on the subject by several industry leaders. Profitability, performance, survivability and corporate conscience can all work hand in hand to not only move a struggling company into terra firma, but also help to extend the viability of customer relationships.
Some of the biggest perceived roadblocks to being a partner in lowering a client’s carbon footprint are usually budget, lack of information and being risk adverse. What is often lacking by the service provider is a good understanding about financial mechanisms to fund energy efficient technology solutions and what solutions are available. Why do I feel this is misguided? The IT, security and other ICT allies all have been feverishly working to develop standards, best practices and funding mechanisms they can share with clients to implement what is fast becoming one of the largest and easiest to control, energy consumers — plug load systems. ICT manufacturers are also creating the necessary products to manage plug load technologies including servers, desk top PCs, networked security systems and many others. Like it or not, it is here and burying your head in the sand will only hasten the inevitability of another ICT industry knocking the audiovisual industry to the ground and stealing its candy.
Want proof? The United States’ largest landlord – the General Services Administration (GSA), is actively engaging with its tenants to reduce the total carbon footprint of its entire 7,000+ building inventory. This client, which many of us in the audiovisual industry work with, has developed sophisticated funding mechanisms to implement energy efficiency retrofits in its existing building stock as well as creating green technology design mandates in new construction. One of our recent projects, the Wayne Aspinal Federal Courthouse in Boulder, Colo., offers the proof in the pudding. It recently received LEED Platinum status and is being used by the GSA as a model for future retrofits moving forward. Plug load control and a smart technology management plan were a critical component to the success of the project.
The GSA’s most powerful tool in this is the Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), where the capital costs for any retrofit are offset by the energy savings through efficient operations. This makes it scalable and allows for deep energy retrofits to existing buildings. The federal government has mandated a total reduction in energy use across many targeted areas, including building energy consumption not just in core and shell but through tenant use as well. The GSA has partnered with the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) to achieve the National Deep Energy Retrofits (NDER) program to work with the energy service providers and contractors to reduce the total energy consumption through the ESPC. This has increased energy savings already over the last couple of years from 18 percent to 39 percent with some projects even surpassing the 60 percent savings mark.
All eleven regions within the GSA’s purview have NDER contracts and are expected to increase the number substantially over the next several years, creating opportunity for consulting partnerships who are willing participants. Overseen by the FEMP, the work is bleeding into all other areas of federal sector work including the implementation of technology systems such as audiovisual and information transport. With such significant data available from these projects, and more to come, it is an easy case to make to the private sector to step up and make the investment towards energy efficient technology solutions as the demand continues to grow and the financial savings case just continues to further prove the point. The biggest barrier the ESPC has is not in the technical implementation of designs but in the breakdown of process and structure of integrated design which it continues to improve upon with each project. I suspect that this is the very same reason that so many in the audiovisual industry are throwing up their hands and becoming naysayers about walking down the path with clients towards energy efficiency.
So how can you get more involved and not become irrelevant? Here are a few ideas:
- Become integrated in the design process. It sounds simple and it really can be. You have to show you are an active participant and have value by understanding what is available to your client.
- Have meaningful interaction with facilities managers, occupants, as well as the money guys about a solid energy management solution.
- Understand that it is completely untrue that the cost of implementing more energy efficient deep impact solutions is going to cost more or have a longer payback. There is a mountain of scientific data that proves this out not just anecdotal evidence.
- Explore Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs) using technical potential and whole building analysis. By partaking in a truly integrated design process you have this capability to provide and have meaningful dialog about this to make a compelling business case which only enhances your worth to the Client as a partner.
- Show your expertise in asset management, power management, and systems and building control solutions as viable solutions to reducing energy demand of plug load systems.
- Read and understand the impact of the International Green Construction Code and other mandates that will impact what you do whether you like it or not.
In this highly risk-adverse financial culture we have placed upon ourselves, I would challenge that it is a greater risk to the audiovisual industry to provide a poorly executed design that’s not thoroughly flushed out for load-reduction measures than it is to invest the time to be a partners with an invested energy efficient solutions provider. If you don’t do this, someone else in a different industry will because, like it or not, the train has left the station.
Another area that you can be helpful with is in operations protocol management. You know how these systems work and you can create control systems that can automate many features of a room, building or campus. The ESPC finds another challenge in engaging the occupants in energy savings. One-third of energy use is occupant driven, oftentimes with solutions AV integrators provide, such as video conferencing in a boardroom or classroom lecture technology. While the issues ESCOs have are limited to things like requiring sub-metering and power management features, the ongoing occupant energy reduction programs and measures require constant oversight and monitoring due to a constant turnover of not only technology but also staff. Good asset management solutions and a well thought out control system (taking much of the burden off of the user) go a long way towards energy efficiency.
Another solution we can provide that aids in our perceived relevance is remote management and monitoring of assets. With so many buildings, this has become a must-have for the GSA to track energy and asset use. The GSA currently has about 100 buildings it is tracking with more scheduled to come online.
If you think it is just the big federal government in the game, then you really haven’t been paying attention. Many institutions of higher education, Fortune 500 companies, local and state governments and healthcare institutions are also ramping this up as a solid viable cost savings measure that has the benefit of being sound environmentally and socially – the triple bottom line. The green tech business is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the U.S., as a percentage of GDP, finding its way into homes and businesses alike. You can either be part of the team or find a new sport. Leave a Comment
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Christie Adds 46-Inch LCDChristie added a 46″ LCD cube to its line today in the form of the FHD461-X, a 1920×1080 resolution direct LED-lit LCD that’s specified at 4000:1 contrast ratio and with a brightness of 700 nits (cd/m2). The bezel on this LCD is only 0.13″ (3.4 millimeters) — top/left — and 0.08″ (2.0 millimeters) — bottom/right. Inputs include two HDCP-compliant HDMI ports, VGA, DisplayPort and DVI. This is an Energy-Star compliant display that only uses 0.5 watts in standby. It can be mounted horizontally or vertically in a video-wall application. In addition, the Christie FHD461-X uses a true commercial-grade LCD panel and has an anti-glare coating. One unique feature is that you can control up to 25 panels through single RS232 using Christie’s Video Wall Toolbox software on a remote PC. It’s less than 3.75″ deep.
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JVC Debuts Entirely New Home Theater Projector Line – All 4K Capable
JVC Professional today announced a new line of home theater projectors that incorporate a new imaging device, upgraded version of the company’s e-shift technology, 4K source compatibility and a user-selectable Intelligent Lens Aperture.
The entire line is D-ILA based and has a new wire grid polarizer. JVC has also added a user-selectable Intelligent Lens Aperture that is spec’d to allow for deeper blacks. And projectors equipped with 4K e-shift3, the latest iteration of the company’s e-shift technology, feature a 4K signal input (at 60p) so that now both 4K and 2K sources can be displayed as 3840×2160 images.
JVC’s 2014 projectors are the Procision Series DLA-X900R, DLA-X700R and DLA-X500R, marketed by JVC’s Consumer AV Group, and the Reference Series DLA-RS6710, DLA-RS67, DLA-RS57, DLA-RS4910, and DLA-RS49, available through JVC Professional Products Company. All are 3D-enabled and offer 4K e-shift3.
The new JVC projectors use three sixth generation JVC D-ILA imaging devices. This new device features a pixel gap that’s 40 percent narrower than the previous chip for a smoother picture, a 10 percent improvement in light efficiency for a light output of 1,300 lumens, and improved native contrast, which is also enhanced by a new, third generation wire grid optical engine. As a result, native contrast ratios for the new projectors are:
- DLA-X900R/RS67/RS6710 150,000:1
- DLA-X700R/RS57 120,000:1
- DLA-X500R/RS49/RS4910 60,000:1
To further boost contrast, JVC has developed a user-selectable Intelligent Lens Aperture. When engaged, JVC’s Intelligent Lens Aperture produces deeper black levels while maintaining white levels superior to what’s delivered by competing projectors using a dynamic iris – performance attributable to JVC projectors’ inherent high native contrast capabilities. The contrast ratios:
- DLA-X900R/RS67/RS6710 1,500,000:1
- DLA-X700R/RS57 1,200,000:1
- DLA-X500R/RS49/RS4910 600,000:1
JVC’s 4K e-shift technology was first developed to upconvert and scale 2D HD content to a 4K signal. With 4K inputs, the new JVC projectors can now process 4K signals as well to deliver a smooth, detailed image. Picture performance is further optimized by a new Multiple Pixel Control (MPC) processor with eight-band detection. The MPC processor offers four presets plus an Auto setting that automatically selects the best upconversion process by detecting the frequency of each pixel.
Picture quality is also enhanced through a new Clear Black feature that provides local area contrast enhancement, and improved Clear Motion Drive (CMD 3). CMD 3 uses a new LSI and new algorithm to deliver a significant improvement in motion artifacts on diagonal lines on 4K and 2K 2D content and 2K 3D content.
Other new enhancements for 2014 are:
- Two memory settings for pixel convergence that can be used to store correction settings for external lenses.
- New smartphone app that provides remote control of the projector, including picture settings.’
- Adobe RGB picture mode on the top five models.
Key features carried over from the 2013 line include:
- Active shutter glasses for 3D viewing use RF rather than IR technology to offer more stable synchronization and extended range while avoiding possible interference with IR-controlled devices.
- Lens memory settings – Ten for the DLA-X900R, DLA-X700R, DLA-RS6710, DLA-RS67 and DLA-RS57, and five for the DLA-X500R, DLA-RS49, and DLA-RS4910. These store custom focus, zoom and horizontal/vertical lens shift position. This allows a constant height display of 4:3, 16:9, 2.35:1 or any other scope content without an additional anamorphic lens.
The flagship DLA-X900R and DLA-RS67/6710 are built using hand-selected, hand-tested components and have a 150,000:1 native contrast ratio and 1,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. For 3D viewing, they come with two pairs of PK-AG3 RF 3D glasses and a PK-EM2 3D Signal Emitter. The DLA-RS6710 also includes a spare lamp and comes with a five-year warranty versus a three-year warranty on the DLA-X900R and DLA-RS67.
The DLA-X700R and DLA-RS57 have a native contrast of 120,000:1, dynamic contrast ratio of 1,200,000:1 and come with a two-year warranty.
Two current models, the DLA-X35 and the DLA-RS46, remain in the line for 2014 and the new JVC D-ILA home theater projectors will be available November at the following prices:
- DLA-RS6710 $12,499
- DLA-X900R/DLA-RS67 $11,999
- DLA-X700R/DLA-RS57 $7,999
- DLA-RS4910 $5,199
- DLA-X500R/DLA-RS49 $4,999
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Crestron Shows New Quiet Shade Controller
At CEDIA this week Crestron is lowering the volume on its shade motors with a new Digital QMT (Quiet Motor Technology) motor and a power supply (CSA-PWS10S-HUB-CAEN) that supports up to ten motorized shades and provides integrated diagnostics and controls.
The Digital QMT motor can operate Crestron window shades of any size and the company say it provides more torque in a smaller package than any other manufacturer’s motor. Crestron says it not only reduces power consumption but also allows the motor to be paired with shades ranging from 17 inches to more than 10 feet wide, with no difference in operating noise and performance. According to Crestron, no other shade motor can fit into such narrow windows.
The new Crestron CSA-PWS10S-HUB-CAEN power supply can power up to ten motorized shades, each with its own fuse. The integrated five-segment C
resnet hub provides an isolated control network for each pair of shades, therefore limiting the impact of any wiring faults. The power supply ships ready to mount on the wall or pre-installed in a 1×1 CAEN enclosure for easy, clean installation.
The CSA-PWS10S-HUB-CAEN can be integrated to work with all Crestron shade motors and includes built-in diagnostics that make it simple for shading professionals to identify broken wires, shorts and blown fuses.
Here are all the specs and options: http://www.crestron.com/products/lighting_and_shade_control/shades/ Leave a Comment
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Clary Icon Adds 40-Inch Display Clary Icon, manufacturer of the OneScreen system that’s aimed at SMART Technologies’ users as well as those of the InFocus MondoPad, announced today that it is now offering OneScreen in a 40” screen size. OneScreen is basically an HD video, audio and web conferencing system with a multi-touch interactive screen.
OneScreen is interoperable and built on open architecture without any proprietary restraints (although it is Windows-based). Users can add applications and work in a familiar Windows desktop environment while communicating and collaborating through their choice of UC tools. It’s designed to allow people to initiate a video, audio or web conference, share and annotate ideas on a 40″ LCD using Hitachi StarBoard software.
The package includes:
- 40” touch screen LCD monitor
- Mini desktop computer with Windows 7 Pro
- HD PTZ camera
- Wireless keyboard
- Wireless pen tablet
- Interactive whiteboard software
- Video conferencing client
- Softphone
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Extron Ships VN-Matrix Codec for 3G-SDI Over IP Extron has just started shipping the VNC 325 3G-SDI — a VN-Matrix series codec that streams SDI, HD-SDI or 3G-SDI video and embedded audio over standard IP networks. The VNC 325 transports low latency, production-quality SD or HD video with embedded audio. Two channels of audio can be streamed with video in low bandwidth applications or up to 16 audio channels can be streamed in ancillary — ANC data blocks of four channels. Form factor improvements from the VN-Matrix 300 Series make it compatible with Extron rack mount accessories.
The VNC 325 uses the PURE3 codec, which provides an unmatched combination of bit rate efficiency, low latency, visually lossless image quality and a high immunity to network errors. It preserves a high image quality and keeps latency to a minimum without the need for Forward Error Correction, which increases bandwidth and encoding delay. Common applications include transport of camera video across a campus, production collaboration and studio to studio media exchange. With its very low encode and decode latency of just 35 ms each, the VNC 325 is also excellent in applications that must support bidirectional communication or remote device control.
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Elo Touch Solutions Debuts Line Pre-Packaged Touch Solutions Elo Touch Solutions (Elo) announced this week a new line called ‘Elo @ The Office,’ with all products aimed at providing pre-packaged solutions for common building display applications. The bundles combine Elo’s 42-inch to 70-inch all-in-one touch computing hardware with software to enable cloud-based collaboration, digital whiteboard, building directory and virtual receptionist applications. Elo @ The Office partners include Cisco WebEx, Citrix GoToMeeting, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Lync, Microsoft Skype, ReadyTalk and other future cloud-based applications such as QlikView and salesforce.com.
The line is divided up into four main categories of products:
- Elo Corporate Collaboration Solution: A 70-inch touch screen with integrated Intel Core i5 computer running Microsoft Windows that mounts less than 4 inches from the wall and requires only AC power and a network connection.
- Elo Digital Whiteboard Solution: Elo’s 70-inch touch screen integrated with Hitachi StarBoard software.
- Elo Directory Solution: Elo’s 55-inch touch screen integrated with JibeStream NovoTouch software (wayfinding software). The NovoTouch interface allows for directory listing templates and 3D maps to build way finding applications quickly.
- Elo Virtual Receptionist Solution: Elo’s 42-inch touch screen integrated with WinTech’s ALICE receptionist software (allows employees to communicate with visitors in the lobby from their desks using face-to-face video or audio-only conversations). Guests are automatically greeted and told how to use the interactive directory without losing the personal touch of human customer service.
Elo @ The Office solutions will all start shipping within 30 days. Here are all the specifics. Leave a Comment
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dB Technologies Intros Sigma Series Active Speaker LineThe new Sigma Series of loudspeakers from dB Technologies is a new portable audio system for live sound that the company says can be set up quickly and can be easily tweaked after rigging.
The Sigma Series features new custom speaker components designed exclusively for the series by RCF, as well as the latest generation of DSPs and dB Technologies Digipro power amplifiers. The series features three cabinets which can be used by themselves, or stacked or pole mounted to create the size system necessary for the venue.
Included in the Sigma Series are the S115 15” two-way active speaker, S215 double 15” quasi three-way active speaker and S118 18” subwoofer:
- S115 — 15” two-way active system: This is a full range FOH speaker featuring a 15” woofer with 3” voice coil couples with a 1.4” high frequency titanium compression driver with 2.8” voice coil on a 60×40 CD horn waveguide. Specs include a frequency response of 46 Hz-20 kHz (+/- 10 dB), a new generation 1000-watt RMS Digipro G2 amplifier and 133 dB max SPL.
- S215 — Dual 15” quasi three-way active system: Many venues demand high SPL and low frequency response. This full range system provides just that in a single cabinet. Loaded with dual 15” phase-plugged woofers with 3” voice coils, coupled with a 1.4” titanium compression driver with 2.8” voice coil on a 60×40 CD horn waveguide, this system is designed to handle considerable loads. Specs include a frequency response of 42 Hz-20 kHz (+/- 10 dB), a new generation 1400-watt RMS Digipro G2 amplifier and a maximum of 139 dB max SPL.
- S118 — 18” active subwoofer: It offers an 18” low frequency woofer with 4” voice coil. Features include a frequency response of 32 Hz-110 Hz with switchable crossover at 80 Hz and 100 Hz, plus a new generation 1400 watt RMS Digipro G2 amplifier. This subwoofer cabinet achieves 134 dB max SPL.
The Sigma Series features 24-bit/48 kHz DSP with system presets (flat, boost) and limiter (dual active peak, RMS, thermal). The Digipro G2 power amp modules are rated at more than 90 percent efficient and designed to ensures that the output of the cabinets remains even and transparent.
Unique to this series is the H.E.T. cabinet housing. Remarkably rugged, the housings are made of premium quality multiply wood with a hardwearing, durable and scratch-resistant coating. Rugged plastic side panels provide excellent protection for the housing as well as integrated grips for transport. The cabinets are also designed so they can be easily stacked, or offer pole mount option.
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Kramer Intros HDBaseT Lite Transmitter and Receiver Kramer’s TP-580T and TP-580R are a transmitter and receiver, respectively, using HDBaseT Lite technology to send HDMI with embedded audio, bi-directional RS232 and IR over distances of up to 230 feet (70 meters). For resolutions above 1080p60 and up to 4K, they can transmit up to 131 feet (40 meters), according to Kramer.
The TP-580T and TP-580R support HDCP, 3D Pass-through, Deep Color, x.v.Color, CEC, Lip Sync, HDMI Uncompressed Audio Channels, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. They are each housed in a compact Kramer Tool enclosure and powered by the supplied 12v adapter.
So far, Epson and Panasonic (and soon Mitsubishi and InFocus) have direct HDBaseT inputs. You can get all the specs here. Leave a Comment
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BenQ Releases World’s First Custom-Built CAD/CAM Monitor for 3D Printing BenQ just launched the first wide quad high-definition (WQHD) monitor designed for 3D printing, computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) applications: the BL2710PT. Custom-built to ready users for the rise of 3D print technology, the monitor is made to meet the functional, creative and ergonomic demands of designers, architects, and engineers. The 27-inch 2560×1440 WQHD display includes two USB 3.0 ports, it detects ambient light levels and automatically adjusts monitor brightness and inputs include DisplayPort and HDMI 4.0.
Here are all the specs on the $699 display. Leave a Comment
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Extron Now Shipping Media Presentation Switcher with DTP ExtensionExtron is shipping the MPS 602 — a six-input media presentation switcher for digital and analog sources. It offers digital video switching with three HDCP-compliant HDMI inputs and one DTP 230 twisted pair input, and analog video switching with two RGB inputs that are digitized for distribution to the digital outputs. For increased flexibility, the MPS 602 includes a DTP 230 twisted pair output and an HDMI output that are switch-selectable. The DTP 230 input and output extend video, audio and bidirectional control signals to DTP 230 transmitters and receivers, each over a single CATx cable up to 230 feet (70 meters). The MPS 602 also includes several audio switching and processing features, available power amplification, plus flexible control options for complete switching and distribution with local and remote display support. The MPS 602 is available in three models: a non-amplified version with a variable preamp output, the MPS 602 SA that adds a stereo 4/8 ohm power amplifier, and the MPS 602 MA with a mono 70 volt amplifier.
The DTP 230 twisted pair input on the MPS 602 can receive signals from a remote DTP 230 transmitter in areas such as a conference table, lectern, or wall for connecting a guest laptop. The DTP 230 twisted pair output can be used to transmit digital AV signals from an MPS 602 in a rack to a DTP 230 receiver behind a flat-panel display on a wall, above a ceiling-mounted projector, or any other remote location. To simplify installation, bidirectional RS232 and IR signals can be inserted from a control system and transmitted over the single CATx cable together with the video and audio, enabling control of a source or display. The MPS 602 can also remotely power the DTP 230 transmitter and receiver over the same CATx cable, streamlining system design and installation.
The MPS 602 includes six-input analog audio switching, a mic/line input with 48 volt phantom power, HDMI audio embedding and de-embedding, and several audio processing features for mixing and ducking. The mic ducking feature automatically reduces program audio when it detects a microphone signal, replacing the need for a separate ducking processor. To streamline audio setup, the MPS 602 features front panel mic and program audio output volume controls that allow for independent adjustment of mic volume, program audio volume, and muting. Two MPS 602 models feature integrated power amplifiers. The MPS 602 SA delivers stereo power amplification with 50 watts rms per channel into 4 ohms and 25 watts rms per channel into 8 ohms, while the MPS 602 MA provides mono 70 volt amplification with 100 watts rms output.
To simplify integration of sources and displays, and to help ensure optimal system performance and dependability, the MPS 602 features two Extron-exclusive technologies: EDID Minder and Key Minder. EDID Minder manages EDID communication between the display device and input sources to ensure that the correct video formats are displayed reliably. For HDMI signals with protected content, Key Minder authenticates and maintains continuous HDCP encryption between input and output devices to ensure quick and reliable switching.
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Stewart Audio Debuts 2×2 Dante AV/IT BridgeStewart Audio’s new NETAV I/O 2X2 is a two-input, two-output network bridge for Dante networks. This network bridge is sort of a digital on- and off-ramp for networked audio applications using the Dante protocol by Audinate. With two balanced analog inputs (line level, mic and available 24V phantom power) that are automatically encoded, any analog audio signal can be made available to the network. By the same token, any Dante signal on the network can be converted to an analog output (two channels) for use by legacy devices requiring an analog signal. Gain and phantom power are configurable via a simple DIP switch on the back of the unit.
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SMART Room System for Microsoft Lync ShipsThe SMART Room System, the integrated hardware and software solution that supports Microsoft Lync in the meeting room, is now shipping. SMART claims it already has hundreds on back order. SMART says the conferencing solution simplifies the collaboration experience for both virtual and face-to-face meeting participants and provides a seamless online experience through sharing of real-time video, voice and data. The system automatically turns on when you enter the room.
The SMART Room System for Microsoft Lync is available in three sizes. The SMALL system is for six people and uses a 70″ IP-based VTC system, the MEDIUM system is for up to 12 people and uses an 84″ monitor and the LARGE system is for up to 16 people and uses two side-by-side mounted 70″ displays. All the displays are SMARTBoard enabled with touch and collaboration software. The displays also offer integrated ink controls for color selection and proximity detection, an innovative feature enabled by sensors that automatically detect user movements to turn the display on when you enter the room and power off when not in use. The SMART Room System includes an ultra wide-angle, high definition camera offering 109-degree field of view and room grade optics, customized speakers and microphones along with an extra-large room control console with an 11.6″ (29.5 cm) display.
Microsoft’s says its internal studies have indicated that it takes an average of 8 to 12 minutes to begin a meeting using technology, but with the SMART Room System for Microsoft Lync, the start-up time for an active session with full access to audio, video and presentation data is reduced to a single touch, with the meeting starting in less than a minute.
Here are all the SMART Room System specs. Leave a Comment
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Premier Mounts Ships Heavy Duty MountsPremier is now shipping its FPS-200 and PSD-HDCA. The PSD-HDCA’s claim to fame is a one-step process with no special tools required. The PSD-HDCA adapter proves versatile with its ability to adapt to any of Premier Mounts PSD dual pole stands, UFA adapter plates or AV shelves, providing a wide array of mounting options. With a 4.5” bolt pattern, the attached mount has a 100×100-millimeter VESA mounting pattern as well as a tested weight capacity of 500 pounds, making it accessible for a vast amount of displays. With Premier Mounts’ UFA adapter plate series, the PSD-HDCA will easily work with mounts with a 200×200-millimeter VESA pattern as well as any other custom pattern in the UFA series.
The FPS-200 flat-panel lifting mount provides a simple stationary or mobile wall mounted unit that utilizes a motorized lifting and lowering system to help gently guide the display to the desired height. Mounting over the top of a whiteboard, the FPS-200 can be easily adjusted to the desired vertical position and provide a great tool for interactive presentations or classroom learning environments.
The FPS-200 is here.
The PSD-HDCA is here. Leave a Comment
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Smart Building Conference 2013 Draws Sellout London CrowdMore than 140 delegates packed into London’s Dexter House last week to attend the Smart Building Conference 2013 — a joint venture of InfoComm International and CEDIA.
Attendees were treated to insights from some 20 speakers, with separate tracks dedicated to the commercial and residential building markets book-ended by plenary sessions open and relevant to all. In the morning, the residential track focused on smart energy management while the commercial track examined technology trends. These roles were reversed in the afternoon, giving delegates another level of session choice.
Bob Snyder, editor-in-chief of Channel Media Europe (including rAVe EUROPE) and the Conference’s MC for the day, began proceedings by introducing the event’s two keynote speakers: energy-industry blogger and consultant Dr. Steven Fawkes and Jeremy Towler of the Building Services Research & Information Association (BSRIA).
The conference then divided into its parallel residential and commercial tracks, hosted by CEDIA’s Matt Dodd and InfoComm’s Allen Weidman. To conclude, all delegates attended a presentation by Rick Holland of the Technology Strategy Board on how businesses can apply for a share of £4million in funding being made available by the UK government to collaborative R&D into the energy management of buildings.
With the help of an interactive voting system supplied by technology partner IML, the Conference organizers were able to obtain an immediate indication of the program’s value to delegates.
When asked to rate their overall knowledge of smart building before the sessions began, 32 percent of delegates indicated their knowledge was ‘Good’, 38 percent said it was ‘Fair’ and 12 percent admitted it was ‘Poor’. When the same vote was taken at the end of the day, the ‘Good’ figure had risen to 58 percent, while ‘Fair’ had dropped to 27 percent and the ‘Poor’ number was just 2 percent.
When asked if they knew the difference between a ‘smart building’ and a ‘green building,’ 94 percent of delegates responded that they did at the end of the day. Before the program commenced, the figure was 64 percent.
Summing up the day, Mike Blackman, managing director, Integrated Systems Events, said, “We have had a fantastic day of discussion, networking and product demonstration here in London, and fulfilled our goal of creating a landmark event in the development of the smart-building industry in the UK.
“Our focus now shifts to the next Smart Building Conference in Amsterdam on Mon., Feb. 3 2014 — the eve of the next ISE show. There we will take some of the same themes that were explored in London and give them a European dimension, with the objective of further developing the AV industry’s role in making buildings smarter.”
More information about the Amsterdam event will be available shortly here. Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
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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.
Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication 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. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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