Volume 4, Issue 12 — December 30, 2013
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InfoComm: Overheard at GovComm 2013
By Brad Grimes InfoComm International
Seriously, next time GovComm, the D.C.-area AV/IT trade show put on by InfoComm, rolls around, drop by, if for no other reason than to take in the federal technology lingo. People like Day One keynote speaker Jill Tummler Singer (pictured) really know their AV and IT, and they talk about it in ways you and I do not. They’d be the first to tell you that just because they know their technology doesn’t mean the government is on the cutting edge. Understanding this is key to working on government projects (actually, one of many keys).
At one point during her speech, Singer, a former CIO for the National Reconnaissance Office and a former deputy CIO for the CIA, said, “The interface in a Tesla is better than any interface we have in mission today.” Translation: Goverment workers are a little behind the times in the way they interact with important systems. Has anyone reading this designed any great user interfaces lately? 1,658 of you? I thought so. Little help, please.
Of course, just because government needs good technology solutions doesn’t mean the government market it easy to crack. Singer said as much when she advised GovComm attendees to partner with traditional government integrators. “Because government trusts them,” she said.
And as I blogged about after GovComm 2012, brush up on the lingo, acronyms, program names, etc. that government tech folks live and breathe. Without further ado, my GovComm 2013 user’s guide:
Unclassified disclosure event. Think “Snowden.” Singer was actually trying not to say the word, “Snowden.” It was an oddly humorous moment related to a serious-as-a-heart-attack issue for Singer and other government technology workers. Systems need to be secure–to a level only the government can come up with. Singer said the government is all for wireless solutions, for example, provided they’re approved for classified communications. She said there are many new federal buildings constructed in the last five years with great wireless infrastructures–but the wireless hasn’t been turned on yet.
Consolidated infrastructures. You guys know all about this. What I didn’t know is that in classified government buildings, there are typically 16 physical networks. Try consolidating that.
Unified comms. Yep, to government, communications are just comms. But, reflecting a line of thinking already embraced in pro AV, Singer added, “What we really mean is unified collaboration.” CIOs like Singer want what everyone else wants–the ability to launch ad hoc (secure) online meetings regardless of hardware or software platform. She wants to be able to call into a room-based videoconference from a smartphone in the airport. Sound familiar? Seems like a perfect “in” for AV integrators. Of course, she may need you to record and store that conversation for 25-plus years, depending on statutes. May need to understand Big Data and The Cloud for that.
OCONUS. Outside the Continental United States. Apparently, a lot of collaborating happens there. I’m just always impressed when something like “OCONUS” rolls of a government technology professional’s tongue the way “milk” rolls off mine.
FDCCI. This is a biggie. Gotta know this one. It’s the Federal Data Center Consolidation Initiative. In 2010, the federal government decided enough was enough. Too many wasteful, duplicative data centers. As Singer put it, related to new AV systems, “You can’t bring in five new racks.” That’s very anti-FDCCI. Plan ahead.
FirstNet. This is a huge government technology program that spans federal, state, and local agencies. It’s estimated to cost $7 billion (more, would be a safe bet). And it’s been in the works since 9/11. Remember how immediately after those tragic events, it was clear that first responders had a hard time communicating? FirstNet is envisioned as an all-new, interoperable first responder network.
CAPEX vs. OPEX. This isn’t government-centric, but government especially isn’t rushing out to incur many technology-related capital expenses these days. Wired solutions are being upgraded slooooowly. So think of AV solutions as operational expenses. “If you can sell it as a service and we can find an acquisition officer who can buy it as a service, it could be a win-win,” Singer said. Read any good AV articles about services lately?
Dronestagram. Just take a peek. Fun. “Drone” doesn’t have to be a bad word.
And it wouldn’t be a Grimes blog post if I didn’t bury a lead. My favorite turn of phrase from Singer was when she asserted that government technology pros want their Mondays to be like their Sundays. In other words, they want their mission technology solutions to be as intuitive and user-friendly as their home technology. She’s a big BYOD proponent. She wants (and this is key for AV integrators) “contemporary situational awareness.” Today’s operations centers are little more than lots of displays stacked together, she says, which looks impressive, but doesn’t present a better view of whatever important information its users must visualize. She wants her solutions on-demand (read: cloud), and she envisions a day when government culture gets over the in-person meeting and embraces “virtual presence.”
GAO. That’s the Government Accountability Office. Singer thinks they should study how much government time is wasted driving around the Beltway to meetings. UCC is the wave of the future.
And it’s a language government and pro AV share.
This column has been reprinted with permission from InfoComm and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
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The Easy Sell on a Hard Topic
By Raymond Kent Managing Principal, Sustainable Technologies Group
There are so many good points to using energy efficient products as one of the most cost-effective, simple and quick ways to reduce energy consumption and lower green house gas emissions. The ICT industry is ripe with tools, products and software capable of proving out these efficiency gains. Companies are falling over themselves to show their investors and other stakeholders just how “green” they can be as seen with the dramatic rise in Corporate Sustainability Reporting and “Triple Bottom Line” mantras. Major corporations such as Wal-Mart, Coca Cola and FedEx are proving out profitability through sustainability. So why do so many in our industry fail to close the deal?
Many people in our line of work as ICT consultants and integrators often complain that the end user just isn’t paying attention to the tools and software that are available. This can be attributed to a lack of understanding or education by the corporate types in the hardware and software and how it integrates into their world or as a genuine lack of knowledge that it even exists. There has been a great focus in the United States, particularly in the last decade, on the built environment and how that impacts the natural environment. So much of this focus has been on the actual brick and mortar and not on what happens after the keys are turned over. There certainly have been strides on the technology side but mostly at the consumer level as seen in the 1970s with Art Rosenfeld’s efforts to convert appliance-makers to allies not enemies where energy efficiency became a selling point not a liability all the way to today with the dramatic rise in solid state consumer lighting products.
This brings about a couple of paradoxes in that the consumer demand for energy efficient products above and beyond the efforts related to their actual domicile has seen such a dramatic rise (there is hardly an aisle in any retail center that doesn’t put this front and center). Major brands such as Proctor and Gamble, GE and Samsung have made energy efficiency and sustainability cornerstones of their product lines. However, carrying this into the consumer’s workplace has been lost in translation. Some studies have suggested that this is due to the fact that the consumer has a greater stake in their home and work is someone else’s to take care of or the efforts often go with little perceived gain. The notion gets stuck between good intentions and true action.
So why the disconnect? In basic terms, our sales pitch needs an overhaul. Simply put, we tend to “sell” people by telling them how it is the right thing to do, it is good for them, or equating it to a better option than a worse outcome. Now even though these tenets may have truth to them it still makes it feel as if you are looking at an uncomfortable medical procedure not looking to reduce your energy consumption, increase profit and decrease operational expenditures — oh yeah… and by the way… help the environment.
Another issue is that quite often the energy efficiency is difficult to determine. We basically are proving out a negative simply because the company saved money. A recent study was done by Fisher Dachs Associates and Seattle Repertory Theatre (Protocol, Fall 2013, Vol 18, No. 4) where the goal was to show if there is energy efficiency in new solid state theatrical style lighting over conventional dimming and incandescent lighting. This proved harder to detail than anticipated as loads are not typically metered for these systems separate from the building metering. This study was important for the main reason that many in the theater world are clamoring to replace their traditional dimming systems with new solid state fixtures under the expectation that there will be an energy savings with no real metrics to follow. What the study also showed was how the expectation for this particular season at this particular theater did not show any significant energy savings. As this was one study, and one theater, for one season it is hard to determine if this is indicative of the norm or are there other variables in play.
A third challenge is that we in the ICT industry tend to gloss over challenges with implementation and maintenance of these types of systems. This could be for the simple fact that we ourselves are not trained or educated enough into how best to deploy these strategies or don’t communicate that to our clients very well. Quite often the feeling from the end user is that the just need to plug it in and it works with no sustained effort on their part. In a utopian world — yes, reality? — not so much. Clients need to be educated to these challenges of both implementation and operation for it to be a success. There are a large number of law suits simply because the end user did not fully understand their obligations in running the system to maintain peak performance and energy reduction.
Finally (although not entirely the last issue) is that there are always priorities and energy efficiency does not always rank high on the list. It could be third, fourth or even fifth down the line. Knowing and understanding your client’s priorities will help in communicating the best strategies for the situation. Knowing that energy efficiency is not a front-and-center problem will help to shape the conversation and offers the best opportunity to introduce the other benefits of the systems which may out weight the energy savings.
So how do we move forward to ease the sell of energy efficiency? The best way is with the “Oh by the way, this will also reduce your energy use along with doing all of the other things you need it to do” strategy rather than take energy efficiency head-on as your priority. The last point above is probably the best to tackle in that several metrics exist showing how energy efficient technologies can work to move higher priorities along in a positive way. One example cited by Stuart D. Kaplow, P. A. in a recent article he wrote on rental rates shows how building owners are seeing a dramatic increase in rent rates for buildings with green infrastructure of which the tenants can take advantage. This can provide incentive to a client whose higher priority than energy efficiency may be to increase occupancy rates in an office tower. This may also help to reduce tenant turnover as well. Both of these issues can be discussed with the building owner in a way that easily sells the energy efficiency technology strategy by relating it to a more prominent priority.
To continue with the example of an office complex and working with the tenants for a fit out there is a priority to maximize space since the cost of square footage will dictate operational expenditures. Employing energy efficient technology and strategies in a data center for an office can work to reduce the overall power demand and square footage required by 25 to 40 percent which is space that can be used for other purposes.
There are also the intangibles such as comfort, ease of use and perception. If an occupant can easily adjust the temperature within a room using the room automation system rather than having to call maintenance that is a priority need which may be met while providing efficiency in the background. If the lighting can be controlled by the user for better ability to see the task at hand or to provide better overall illumination, there is a perceived benefit while providing energy efficiency. Also, if a user can simply enter a room to give a presentation and the system is intelligent enough to turn itself on and shut itself down, the room is perceived to be more interactive and user friendly while saving energy in the mean time.
Overall, the best strategy to sell energy saving ICT solutions is to not talk about them front and center but to show them as an added feature as they relate to your client’s higher priorities. This provides the opportunity to use your arsenal of technology and software and up-sell them on the additional benefits of energy efficiency. Happy selling! Leave a Comment
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What is 3D Good For?
The title of this Display Daily article is drawn from the text of a recent publication entitled “Stereoscopic 3D displays and human performance: A comprehensive review.” To produce an answer to the question in the title, the authors “reviewed the body of literature concerning the performance implications of stereoscopic 3D (S3D) displays versus non-stereo displays.”
The work was conducted by a team from the 711th Human Performance Wing/RHCV, US Air Force Research Laboratory (Dayton, Ohio). The team was headed by Engineering Research Psychologist John P. McIntire.
I now paraphrase in explaining that, in producing their report, the authors summarized the results of over 160 publications describing over 180 experiments spanning 51years. The research contained in these articles included human factors psychology/engineering, human–computer interaction, vision science, visualization and medicine. Publications were included in the study if they described at least one task with a performance based experimental evaluation of an S3D display versus a non-stereo display under comparable viewing conditions.
Each study was classified according to the primary experimental task or tasks reported in the study. The categories were as follows:
- Judgments of positions and/or distances.
- Finding, identifying or classifying objects.
- Spatial manipulations of real or virtual objects.
- Navigation.
- Spatial understanding, memory or recall.
- Learning, training or planning.
The results of the study are to be published in Displays, Volume 35, Issue 1, January 2014, Pages 18–26. A copy of the article is available for purchase on-line and can be found here.
The principle results of the study can be summarized in the two tables presented below (click to enlarge).
Highlights drawn from these results included the following:
- S3D display viewing improved performance in 60 percent of experiments.
- In 15 percent of the experiments, S3D either showed a marginal benefit or the results were mixed or unclear.
- In only 25 percent of experiments, S3D displays clearly offered no benefit over 2D viewing.
- Stereoscopic 3D displays were most helpful for the spatial manipulation of objects and for finding/identifying/classifying objects or imagery.
Based on their study of the literature, the authors go on to suggest that future researchers into 3D human factors may benefit from considering the following advice in conducting and sharing their work:
- Clearly report the magnitudes of binocular disparity in units of visual angle that are induced or experimentally manipulated in the 3D conditions.
- Clarify which monocular depth cues are visible within the experimental tasks.
- Care should be taken to describe the particular experimental display hardware utilized as well as the types of S3D displays that were tested.
- The binocular vision and depth perception capabilities of viewers should be thoroughly examined and reported.
- Measure and report any presence of discomfort attributable to their experimental manipulations.
Bottom line: This report provides a valuable synthesis and analysis of the literature on 3D human factors. Leave a Comment
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Why Migrate to IPS Panels
By Kevin Christopherson NEC Display
For those of us who remember a world before the Internet, and even those who remember when the cool factor about mobile phones was you could make or receive calls when you weren’t near a landline, technology is generally viewed as a means to an end.
Not so for the generation that grew up with the Internet in its pocket.
In Cisco’s Connected World Technology Report released late last year, researchers report just how important technology is to tech-savvy young professionals entering the workforce today. They said, given the choice between more money and access to smart phones, Facebook and other hot technologies, they’ll take the technologies, thank you very much. That’s a very different attitude than the generations before them, and one recruiters and hiring managers are going to face more and more.
Remember, these Millennials spend hours upon hours watching high-end LCD LED TVs, and using tablets and smartphones with screens that deliver bright, exciting colors that pop. So understandably, they want a certain level of technology sophistication in their workplaces, which means forward-looking companies will have to change their thinking to attract and retain the brightest talent. Good enough isn’t good enough anymore for the up-and-coming generation.
The good news for organizations looking to tap into this pool of desirable candidates is that a high-end monitor technology on par with what Millennials are used to is now readily available in displays that are affordable. Not only would upgrading company work displays help with hiring hot prospects, but for those already on board, it could provide an incentive for staying.
This technology, called in-plane switching (IPS), was once was the domain of graphic designers, photographers, CAD engineers and others who required the most accurate color representation. The latest IPS technology is called Advanced High-Performance IPS (AH-IPS). It’s applicable for companies with a wide range of employees, from paralegals to real estate brokers, and it offers many advantages over Twisted Nematic (TN) LCD technology—the basic display brains behind millions of work monitors for many years.
Better Color Representation
One of the main benefits of IPS-based monitors is that they deliver the best and the most accurate color representation. More and more workflow requires colors to be displayed correctly on a screen — even for employees who are not graphics professionals. For example, workers may be asked to review marketing materials on their displays. Without good color representation, they run the risk of misconstruing what they’re seeing. They may think that the colors don’t look right when, in fact, they are. In extreme cases, they may even misinterpret charts or graphs. This may not be a monitor calibration or color profile issue, but basic color representation. IPS delivers screen images with colors that are accurate, real and life-like, not muted.
Better Multitasking, Collaboration
AH-IPS technology also provides the best off-angle viewing available for both individuals and groups of people compared to TN displays. More and more work is done in collaboration — whether through virtual meetings or with groups of people congregating around a computer screen.
Plus, think about those Millennials again. They are used to gaming and group thinking, and collaboration is in their DNA.
But with a TN-based monitor, the viewer needs to be centered directly in front of the display to see the most accurate colors and contrast. That’s also the case with multi-monitor configurations. When off-viewing angles aren’t clean, the color and contrast can decrease dramatically.
The concept applies to individuals who multitask, too. A nurse screening a patient’s blood pressure should be able to see the BP monitor on his or her mobile cart clearly from a workstation with no straining or body repositioning required.
Off-angle viewing is important for groups, as well. When employees want to be show their colleagues something on their screens:
- They should not have to move out of the way.
- Their colleagues should be able to view the image correctly on the screen from an off-angle.
- They should experience good color representation from edge-to-edge across the screen and without color changes in the corners.
Younger generations entering the work force today want technologies they’re using at work to meet the performance levels they’ve become accustomed to in other aspects of their lives. Taking advantage of the performance and affordability of IPS technology will give your workforce something they need to do their jobs better while giving recruiters and hiring managers one more edge in the battle to attract and retain the best employees.
Kevin Christopherson is the director of product marketing for Desktop Displays at NEC Display Solutions. He can be reached at kchristopherson@necdisplay.com. Leave a Comment
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Denon Ships DN-700R Network SD/USB Audio RecorderDenon is now shipping its new DN-700R network SD/USB audio recorder that records WAV and MP3 audio files to solid state media storage drives including SD/SDHC and USB. A network-based device, the DN-700R allows users to easily program the unit for scheduled events, record and play back material automatically, and designate locations for audio transfer over or outside networks — eliminating the need for on-location media retrieval and manual transfers to standalone computers.
With its USB port and two SD/SDHC slots, the 1-RU DN-700R enables audio recording in MP3 using full bit rate, stereo, or mono formats and WAV recordings in uncompressed PCM files up to 24-bit 96kHz — and users can schedule up to 30 record and 30 playback events via the network.
Aimed at installation-based settings such as courtrooms, higher education institutions, houses of worship, conferencing facilities, boardrooms and broadcast monitoring environments, the DN-700R’s balanced microphone/line inputs allow the unit to satisfy the requirements of portable and rental recorder scenarios.
The DN-700R’s new dual record feature enables recording to two separate media devices simultaneously for backup and redundancy. For true nonstop recording, the DN-700R uses its relay record mode so when storage expires on a primary media unit, the device automatically switches to the secondary media source, enabling unsupervised, around-the-clock recording when used in conjunction with the device’s auto-archive and auto-delete functions. The new unit also provides unbalanced and balanced inputs/outputs for both analog and digital formats, enabling new microphone level balanced inputs with +48V of phantom power.
Now featuring three-level security, the DN-700R allows users to set up and control the unit easily from any browser-enabled handheld device including smartphones and tablets. For further control, the device provides TelNet over IP, RS232C, GPIO and USB keyboard compatibility.
The DN-700R lists for $1,099 and full specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Haivision Updates InStream Mobile for iOS and Android Live Video StreamingHavision has released the latest version of InStream Mobile, which brings iPad, iPhone and Android users live, high definition video streaming on their mobile devices. Supporting end-to-end latency of less than 500 milliseconds for 1080p60 video (when coupled with Haivision’s Makito X HD H.264 encoder), InStream Mobile is designed for live collaboration in mission critical applications.
Based on industry standards, supporting both Transport Stream multicast and HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), InStream Mobile gives users access to local performance streams as well as those available on the Internet. Local multicast transport streams do not need to be transcoded, resized or converted to HLS, allowing InStream Mobile to be instantly deployed within current enterprise workflows. InStream Mobile also supports a central channel guide file so the channel list for all users can quickly be established and changed, further easing deployment and media control.
Additional InStream Mobile features include:
- Forward Error Correction (with Makito): Accommodates wireless network packet loss to minimize stream interruption.
- TalkBack (with Makito): Allows single viewers to engage in direct conversations with personnel at remote endpoints.
- HLS and TS stream support: Users can select from local performance streams and those from the Internet.
- Central Channel Guide: Without the need for a streaming server or IPTV system, administrators can easily a establish channel selection file for broad user bases so viewers do not need to enter complex web or IP addresses.
- Fast Channel Changes: Simply swipe to instantly tune to adjacent video channels with no buffering delay.
- Multitrack Audio: Delivers multilingual content with video streams.
- Stream Statistics: The ability to view the characteristics of video streams so that an administrator can tune the system for optimal performance.
InStream Mobile for iOS devices is available free of charge in the Apple iTunes stores globally and in Haivision’s download Center for Android devices here:
Haivision is here.
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Extron Ships Two Input XTP Wallplate Transmitter for HDMI and VGA SignalsExtron Electronics is now shipping the XTP T UWP 302, a two-input XTP wallplate transmitter that provides the convenience of connecting local source devices at a wall or other locations including a lectern or floor box. This XTP transmitter mounts into a standard three-gang junction box, and sends HDMI or RGBHV video, audio and control up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single CATx cable. It is HDCP-compliant and supports computer-video to 1920×1200, including HDTV 1080p/60 Deep Color and 2K. For simplified integration, the XTP T UWP 302 features automatic switching between inputs with selectable prioritization, and can be powered over the same CATx cable. The XTP T UWP 302 is designed for use in XTP Systems for signal distribution and long-distance transmission between remote endpoints.
The XTP T UWP 302 can transmit HDMI with its embedded audio, or alternatively, embed audio from a separate analog stereo input prior to transmission. To further simplify integration with HDMI-equipped devices, this XTP transmitter features EDID Minder for ensuring continuous EDID communication between devices as well as Key Minder, which authenticates and maintains HDCP encryption.
For more information.about the XTP T UWP 302, click here. Leave a Comment
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JVC Debuts Projector Aimed at SimulationJVC’s ILA division has debuted its new DLA-2400ZG projector with e-shift technology today at the I/ITSEC 2013 Show in Orlando, Fla. The DLA-VS2400ZG delivers a 5.1 megapixel equivalent image (2592×1944 pixels) via JVC’s proprietary e-shift technology, along with a spec of 18,000:1 contrast ratio and a minimum of 900 ANSI lumens. It offers two HDMI inputs, as well as RS232C and LAN connectivity for remote access and control and a 120 Hz input interface that means reduced image generator (IG) hardware requirements.
We don’t have all the specs yet, as it’s brand new, but JVC is supposed to ship the DLA-2400ZG this month along with a 2x zoom lens with manual focus and lens shift. The new projector is also available without a lens — model number DLA-VS2400G. Here is where the projector will be posted on the company’s website. Leave a Comment
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Energy Squad Offers LED Diet Training, New Revenue OpportunitiesFor HomeAV or ProAV dealers looking for some new recurring revenue opportunities or who want to do marketing or branding around GreenAV, Energy Squad offers some interesting programs geared specifically to AV dealers on not only GreenAV products such as automation or energy management, but also on green products that AV dealers don’t typically offer, such as LED lighting or the Nest thermostat. The company, which calls itself a full-service green tech distributor for the AV industry, recently hosted some dealers from around the country for the first-ever dealer training for its LED Diet program.
Introduced at CEDIA EXPO 2013, the LED Diet program provides dealers with a proven sales program that enables them to establish their businesses as the “local authority” on LED lighting and green technology. Certified LED Diet dealers (or as Energy Squad calls them, “LED Dieticians”) can use the program to reach out to new and existing customers by offering a cost-effective and scalable approach for converting a home or building from an outdated, poorly lit and power-guzzling space into a beautiful, energy-efficient environment, one bulb at a time. Dealers also have access to special product pricing and technical support from Energy Squad.
The two-and-a-half day training included in-depth product demonstrations from vendors including SWITCH lighting, sales training and the formal introduction of Energy Squad’s LED Diet program. It also featured in-depth familiarization with products, including new eco-friendly system solutions from Nest, and an overview of Energy Squad’s ecoInsight app for specifying LED products and creating custom proposals.
Energy Squad announced the dates for its second LED Diet training, which will be held Jan. 21-23 in Bethesda, Md. Space for the second training session is limited and dealers interested can register online here, via phone 301-656-2238 or email at sales@energysquad.com.
For more information on Energy Squad, click here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces Compact, Economical Audio Amplifier with MPA 152 PlusExtron’s new MPA 152 Plus is a new quarter-rack-width, stereo-integrated mini power amplifier that delivers 15 watts rms per channel and provides several performance enhancements over the previous MPA 152. The MPA 152 Plus features a 90 dB signal-to-noise ratio with 0.1 percent THD+N. The MPA 152 Plus is an ENERGY STAR qualified amplifier with an efficient Class D amplifier design. It also features CDRS – Class D Ripple Suppression technology that provides a smooth, clean audio waveform and an improvement in signal fidelity over conventional Class D amplifiers. Extron says this exclusive high efficiency design generates very little heat and allows the amplifier to be fanless and operate in environments with little or no ventilation.
The MPA 152 Plus ENERGY STAR qualified amplifier is an energy efficient product that conserves energy and reduces costs. It includes a defeatable auto power-down feature that automatically places the amplifier into standby after a period of inactivity, and consumes 4 watts when idle and less than 1 watt in standby mode. The MPA 152 Plus is housed in a compact 1U, quarter rack width enclosure and is UL 2043 plenum rated, which allows for a concealed installation above a drop ceiling to prevent theft while providing convenient placement of AV equipment. It delivers 15 watts rms per channel into 4 ohms and 8 watts rms into 8 ohms. The MPA 152 Plus is optimized for driving four 8 ohm speakers, two in parallel per channel.
Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Biamp Debuts New Vocia Paging Station Kit Biamp Systems today added to its public address and voice evacuation system, Vocia, with the PSKIT-1 interface kit and 1.5.2 software. The PSKIT-1 is a standalone paging station kit that allows for direct connection to third-party equipment, such as legacy paging stations and fireman’s microphone panels. The PSKIT-1 features embedded DSP and on-board memory to support standard and advanced public address and mass notification functionalities. The PSKIT-1 can store 999 user-defined page codes, and device-specific configuration information is stored locally within the unit.
The Vocia 1.5.2 software update enables one-button paging functionality across all of the Biamp paging station devices (DS-10, WS-10, EWS-10, PSKIT-1). This streamlined functionality facilitates quicker page message delivery while allowing end users to define single-digit custom paging codes.
The Vocia 1.5.2 software update is available for download here.
The PSKIT-1 will be available in February 2014. Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Jupiter Ships StreamCenter and TouchCommandJupiter’s StreamCenter is designed to support businesses and government agencies with dozens, hundreds or even thousands of video streams to monitor. StreamCenter is ideal for applications including public safety, security monitoring, traffic management, military command and control and any other enterprise that relies on video streams for situational awareness.
Jupiter’s StreamCenter delivers high performance decoding of multiple IP streams. Each StreamCenter can decode up to 32 channels of HD or SD video. For projects with lots of sources, multiple StreamCenters can be deployed to decode hundreds or even thousands of streams simultaneously. Ten StreamCenter chassis can be loaded into a 72” rack to provide 320 channels of simultaneous IP video decoded and displayed at full frame rates. StreamCenter decodes most major streaming formats, including H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and MJPEG at resolutions up to 1920×1080.
Each StreamCenter decoder can drive one viewing window in a PixelNet domain. That viewing window can be displayed at any size anywhere in the domain, from thumbnail size to the size of a whole wall.
Jupiter says that its TouchCommand solution is designed to make it easy for anyone to control display walls and room automation using familiar multi-touch gestures. Jupiter’s TouchCommand is built on distributed network architecture, enabling rapid access to critical information throughout the facility. TouchCommand runs on touch-enabled PCs and tablets and makes it possible to manage audio, projectors and displays, control lighting and other resources.
StreamCenter is here [PDF] and TouchCommand is here [PDF]. Leave a Comment
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Atomos Ships Spyder Color Calibration Atomos is now shipping the Spyder calibration tool. Developed in partnership with New Jersey-based Datacolor, the Atomos Spyder gives Samurai Blade one button color calibration normally only found on high end monitors. With Spyder, the Samurai Blade gains the ability to accurately calibrate to the SMPTE Rec 709 color space with a D65 white point with 100 percent gamut and is fully customizable after calibration.
Atomos Spyder features:
- Extreme precision 7 sensor calibration
- USB to LANC serial control unit included for automatic calibration.
- Calibrate to 6500K ITU-Rec709 white point with delta-E better than 2 down to 20 percent grey
- User adjustments of lift, gain and gamma per channel after initial calibration
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Updates Cable Cubby EnclosuresExtron’s new Cable Cubby Series/2 offers furniture-mountable enclosures that are available in two sizes. The patent-pending, modular enclosures accommodate Extron Retractors, AV cables or Extron’s AAP-Architectural Adapter Plates. Cables and AAPs can be installed or serviced from the top of the enclosure after installation. The enclosures are available in a black anodized or brushed aluminum finish.
The updated line includes the Cable Cubby 1200 for single-user applications and the Cable Cubby 1400 for applications that require a compact, centrally located enclosure for two or more users. Slim, low profile lids provide a full width pass-through for cable management, whether open or closed. AC power modules are available for the U.S., Europe and other major world markets. Most AC modules include two unswitched outlets. To support the rapid transition to smartphones and tablets in AV presentation environments, there are also optional AC+USB power modules with one or two AC power outlets and two USB power outlets that are ideal for charging mobile devices.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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JVC Debuts New Physical Security and CCTV DVRsJVC just launched a new series of its Super LoLux digital video recorders for the professional CCTV market. Available in four-channel (VR-D1004-500), eight-channel (VR-D1008-1TB) and 16-channel (VR-D1016-1TB) models, each DVR uses H.264 video compression and each channel supports dual stream and can be independently configured for resolution, frame rate, bit rate, image quality and normal and event recording parameters. The main stream supports encoding at up to WD1 resolution in real time, with sub stream at CIF/QCIF resolution.
The VR-D1008-1TB and VR-D1016-1TB include an internal 1 TB hard drive, while the VR-D1004-500 includes a 500 GB hard drive. External storage, including SATA hard drives and network drives, can be connected for additional storage. Video data can be exported using a SATA storage device or via the USB port in the front of each unit.
For local monitoring, the Super LoLux Series offers simultaneous HDMI, VGA and CVBS outputs, with HDMI and VGA output at up to 1920×1080 resolution. Playback can also be monitored remotely via the Web interface.
Built-in multi-view supports up to 16 live cameras in a variety of configurations and sequences. Digital zoom of video is available in live view or playback mode, and smart searching allows efficient searching by event or tags. Other features include privacy mask and support for several PTZ protocols, plus motion detection, tamper-proof, video exception and video loss alarm functions.
The new Super LoLux Series DVRs will ship by January and list for $290 (VR-D1004-500), $555 (VR-D1008-1TB), and $640 (VR-D1016-1TB).
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BenQ Ships MX600 Projector with MHLBenQ’s new MX600 is designated as its “mobile-friendly projector” since it integrates MHL technology. The MX600 is specified at 3,200 lumens and uses BenQ’s SmartEco technology that claims 10,000 hours of lamp life. We’re not going to give you the projector’s contrast ratio spec as it’s ridiculous.
The MX600 features horizontal and vertical keystone calibration, as well as a built-in 10 watt speaker. It also allows users to charge their smart devices via the projector’s MHL connection.
Now shipping, the BenQ MX600 lists for $699. Get all the specs here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces Two Input DTP Wallplate Transmitters for HDMI and VGAExtron has announced the DTP T HWP 232 D and the DTP T UWP 232 D two input Decora-style transmitters. The DTP T HWP 232 D transmits HDMI, audio and control, while the DTP T UWP 232 D transmits HDMI or analog video, audio and control. These signals are sent up to 230 feet (70 meters) over a single CATx cable to an Extron DTP 230 receiver. The DTP T UWP 232 D digitizes incoming analog video for reliable display on a variety of output devices. Both transmitters are HDCP compliant and include independent stereo audio connections. They also offer many integrator-friendly features such as EDID Minder, auto-switching between inputs, remote power capability and bidirectional RS-232 and IR pass-through for remote AV device control.
The DTP T HWP 232 D and DTP T UWP 232 D provide switching and transmission of HDMI signals, supporting Deep Color up to 12-bit, CEC pass-through and embedded HD lossless audio formats. For simplified operation, both transmitters can automatically switch between sources. For added installation flexibility, a single external power supply can be used to remotely power the transmitter or a DTP 230 receiver over the twisted pair cable. The DTP T HWP 232 D and DTP T UWP 232 D can be used as a point-to-point solution or integrated within HDMI switching environments, such as an IN1608 or MPS 602 system to support inputs at remote locations.
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Pakedge Ships Its W7O Outdoor Dual-Band Concurrent Wireless Access PointPakedge Device & Software is now shipping its W7O Outdoor Dual-Band Concurrent Wireless Access Point. The W7O allows for simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5.0 GHz dual-band operation, is powered by PoE and uses a IP67-rated weatherproof aluminum housing that protects it from dust, dirt and moisture in harsh outdoor environments.
What makes the W7O unique is its Pakedge Smartwav technology. Smartwav proactively learns the wireless environment around the WAP and directs its signal around potential sources of interference, like microwaves and thick walls. The company says this allows its devices to not only produce a more powerful signal with greater coverage, but to do so while still using less power than competitive devices. The W7O’s four Smartwav antennas broadcast constructive signals via synchronizing waveforms, creating a strong and stable signal without the peaks and valleys characteristic of traditional devices.
The W7O also employs the Pakedge TruStream suite of features for top-notch streaming media performance. TruStream helps the W7O recognize and categorize network traffic to ensure that high-priority traffic like streaming video, music or VoIP is given precedence. TruStream avoids interference and gives priority to latency-sensitive devices, bypassing issues that cause buffering, lag or even complete interruption of streaming playback.
The W7O can be deployed using three methods. The first method, using the Pakedge C36 WAP Controller, is the easiest and fastest as it requires the least amount of manual configuration. The C36 will automatically find and integrate multiple WAPs simultaneously. The second method is by using the Where’s My WAP, a free PC and Mac software discovery tool that allows manual changing of the IP address. Where’s My WAP can be found on the Dealer Portal section of the Pakedge website. The third method is through pure manual configuration, meant for experts doing complex installations where a high degree of customization is required.
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Peerless-AV Intros DS-VWM770 Universal Mosaic Video Wall Display MountToday Peerless-AV launched what it is calling AV’s first “universal mosaic video wall mount” with the DS-VWM770. The DS-VWM770 allows for video displays between 46″ to 70″ to be positioned at virtually every angle. Displays securely attach to the mount in 15° increments ranging from 0° to 360°, providing repeatability and adjustability from display to display. In addition to having ten points of micro adjustment provide precise video wall alignment, the DS-VWM770 accommodates VESA mounting patterns of 300×300, 400×200, 400×300, 400×400 and 600×400.
While on the universal wall mount, displays can be easily accessed and serviced with the option to extend the mount from the wall and rotate the display at up to 90° of swivel. Other features of the DS-VWM770 include a security lock out screw to eliminate pull out ability and ten points of micro adjustment, which delivers the fine-tuning necessary to create a seamless video wall appearance.
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PreSonus Ships StudioLive AI-series PA Loudspeakers PreSonus is now shipping its new StudioLive AI-series (Active Integration) Loudspeakers — the new line includes the full-range StudioLive 312AI, 315AI, and 328AI and the StudioLive 18sAI subwoofer.
StudioLive AI-series speakers incorporate Fulcrum Acoustics’ TQ Temporal Equalization algorithms that supposedly eliminate horn reflections and to correct linear time and amplitude anomalies in coaxial systems. Collaborating with Fulcrum Acoustics’ co-founder Dave Gunness, PreSonus software designers incorporated custom TQ algorithms with dynamics processing, FFT tools, and performance monitoring into the onboard DSP.
Each full-range, powered, three-way loudspeaker relies on a custom-designed, CoActual 8-inch coaxial speaker with a 1.75-inch titanium compression driver to reproduce the mid and high frequencies. Triamplified, Class D power amplifiers in each model deliver a combined spec’d 2,000 watts of power.
The StudioLive 312AI includes a 12-inch ferrite speaker to handle low-frequency reproduction, while the 315AI employs a 15-inch woofer, and the StudioLive 328AI has dual 8-inch ferrite speakers.
Each full-range system has a combo XLR/TRS line input and an XLR microphone input with an XMAX Class A mic preamplifier and 12V phantom power, as well as an XLR audio throughput. The full-range speaker systems are pole-mountable and have side handles, interlocking stacking, and M10 fly points. All enclosures are of plywood construction.
Three operation modes allow the user to choose DSP presets for their application, such as MP3 playback, live performance or stage monitoring. Users can also create a custom preset using SL Room Control and store it onboard for use later.
The 1000-watt StudioLive 18sAI is a powered, 18-inch ferrite subwoofer designed to match the full-range StudioLive AI speakers. It includes stereo line inputs (XLR/¼-inch combo) and full-range stereo line outputs (XLR) with a switchable, low-cut crossover.
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Meyer Sound Introduces Galileo Callisto 616 AES Primary Array ProcessorThe new Meyer Sound Galileo Callisto 616 AES primary array processor is a designed for driving and aligning Meyer Sound loudspeaker array systems.
The 2U, rack-mounted Callisto 616 AES includes six inputs, 16 digital outputs with eight mirrored analog outputs, and a full digital matrix processor. Working in tandem with the Compass control software, Callisto 616 AES is optimized to be a mastering tool that makes it easier to manage loudspeaker systems and shape overall system response. The U-Shaping equalization comprises five bands with adjustable slopes, widths, and gain. Five bands of complementary phase parametric filters are available on each output. An additional five bands of parametric filters and standard TruShaping equalization are available on each input.
Additional features include delay integration for automatic alignment of Meyer Sound line arrays, and atmospheric correction to maintain high frequency response regardless of changes in temperature and humidity.
To assume impeccable sonic performance for analog audio signals, Callisto 616 AES employs A-D-A conversion with 24-bit resolution at 96 kHz sampling. Internal processing is at 96 kHz with 32-bit floating point resolution. Latency is fixed across all output channels regardless of processing applied and dedicated connectors are provided for integration of Meyer Sound’s SIM 3 audio analyzer.
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NEC Intros 30″ Medical Diagnostic Monitor in MD302C4 NEC Display Solutions’ new MD302C4 LCD is a 2560×1600 native resolution widescreen display for diagnostic review applications in healthcare organizations. The 4-megapixel, 30-inch display with IPS panel is designed to provide precise color reproduction and wide viewing angles and is spec’d at 180 cd/m2 of calibrated brightness and a 1000:1 contrast ratio. Factory-calibrated uniformity control calibration provides accurate imaging across the screen.
Built on a GB-R LED backlight, the MD302C4 display provides a wider color gamut and more color control than a conventional white LED backlight, and consumes 44 percent less power than comparable CCFL backlights.
NEC says the MD302C4 monitor includes out-of-the-box calibration to the DICOM grayscale display function for luminance. An integrated front sensor constantly monitors and adjusts brightness to maintain the factory DICOM GSDF calibration. The MD302C4 also includes a human presence sensor that can automatically dim the screen to conserve power and display life, as well as a Quick QA function for checking DICOM conformance without a computer. The monitor’s stand has four-way ergonomic functionality, including height-adjust, swivel, tilt and pivot.
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NEC’s V423-TM is a 42″ Aimed at Touch Screen Digital Signage NEC Display Solutions has just launched the V423-TM display to its Touch-Integrated V Series portfolio. Within the display’s bezel is an integrated, low-profile, four-camera optical-imaging technology that allows for up to four simultaneous touches. The native 1080p (1920×1080) LED-backlit LCD is spec’d at 430 cd/m2 (maximum brightness) and 1300:1 contrast ratio. Inputs include DisplayPort, HDMI and DVI-D.
Integrated with double-sided anti-reflective glass, which protects the LCD panels while minimizing reflectivity, the V423-TM has a built-in expansion slot, which allows for seamless integration of Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) devices. It lists at $2,399 and will ship in January 2014.
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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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