Buzzards in the AV Industry
By Joel Rollins, CTS-R I'm sorry – I'm writing this article on an iPad, and auto-correct changed my text to the title above when I typed in "Buzzwords". But the example saves me the trouble of defining one of the biggest buzzwords: "Intuitive."
But now that THAT one is taken care of, I'd like to review the actual AV industry definitions of the words that are all over that bag of literature that you lugged home from Las Vegas.
Robust: The device is made from industrial-grade wrought iron and is three times as dense as the "non-ruggedized" version. This phrase says nothing about its electronic quality, but it is large, imposing, and can be used to prop open the largest doors.
Modular: The device will arrive in separate pieces, from multiple locations, on different days. The least expensive piece, a completely necessary adapter, will go into backorder, preventing the use of the device until the day after the show you bought it for.
Scalable: The device accommodates a variable number of inputs and outputs, in increments that let you choose between buying it too large or too small.
Network-Enabled: The product has its own web server, and generates a control page to allow you to configure it remotely. When you try, and it crashes, it will automatically send you an email to let you know.
Next Generation: A product that will be debugged and have a finished manual by the time your children grow up.
Revolutionary: The product will, within 48 hours, give you the urge to pick up a gun and lead a revolt against the manufacturer. Stop after the threatening letters. Think of your family.
Industry-Changing: The entire beta test team was driven so crazy they have since gone on to jobs in other fields
Hot-Swappable: The product goes down during heavy use, as in "during shows." But you will be able to get it back up and running while the audience watches you take second-degree burns handling the blown parts.
Stay tuned for next issue, when we'll review another brochure. That's all for the first one in the pile.
rAVe Rental [and Staging] contributor Joel R. Rollins, CTS-R, is General Manager of Everett Hall Associates, Inc. and is well known throughout the professional AV industry for his contributions to industry training and his extensive background in AV rental, staging and installation. Joel can be reached at Joel can be reached at joelrollins@mac.com Back to Top |
Christie Announces New Widescreen LCD Projectors Christie added two new LCD projectors to its extensive product line-up at InfoComm 2010 — the LWU420 and the LW555. The LWU420 targets ProAV users who need WUXGA high resolution and the LW555 fills the need for an affordable WXGA high brightness widescreen projector.
The Christie LWU420 is a 4200-lumen projector with WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution, for small- to medium-sized venues, including videoconference rooms, meeting rooms and training rooms. Answering the market need for an affordable and portable WUXGA projector in the 4000+ lumens category, the LWU420 delivers full HD capability, auto H/V digital keystone, vertical and horizontal lens shift, 10-bit image processing for superior grey scaling, 1000:1 contrast ratio and a 2x zoom lens.
The 5500 lumens Christie LW555 projector features native WXGA resolution (1280×800), centre lens design with a fully motorized lens shift, inorganic LCD panels, top loading lamp for easy access, 10-bit image processing, and 3D KeystoneT technology.
Christie LWU420 and LW555 will both ship in July and complete specs can be found at: http://www.christiedigital.com/AMEN/Products/ChristieLWU420.htm and http://www.christiedigital.com/AMEN/Products/ChristieLW555.htm
While obviously not designed to compete with Christie's already-impressive lineup of staging projectors, the resolution and portability of these will definitely give them their place.
–JRR Back to Top In the "It's About Time" Category: Sennheiser Finally Intros Ear-Worn Mics! Last month, Sennheiser finally caved into pressure and launched its first single-sided, ear-worn microphones. Dubbed the Ear Set 1 and Ear Set 4, they are both designed for live stage shows, broadcasting studios and staging/presentations – and, they’re already claiming a victory in that category by convincing pop star P!nk to use a prototype of the Ear Set 4 recently on her Funhouse tour.
While the Ear Set 1 is particularly insensitive to pop and wind noise and therefore easy to handle, the Ear Set 4 is an ideal choice for loud stage environments where Sennheiser claims it effectively suppresses ambient noise and offers what they term as “excellent feedback rejection” (no specs though). Both microphones are very light, comfortable to wear, and very resistant to perspiration and moisture. The earclip and boom microphone can be easily adjusted to fit ear and head shape. The cable, which has low sensitivity to structure-borne sound, is very robust and has a diameter of only 1 mm.
To see all the details, go here: http://www.sennheiserusa.com/professional_wired-microphones_headworn-mics_504230-504233
Ah, high-quality ear sets. The microphone that we all dream of getting on-stage clients to wear. For some reason, it's difficult, especially with older clientele – but the struggle is worth it if you can get them to do it just once. I've been a devotee of the Countryman ear sets for a long time, and certainly look forward to trying Sennheiser's.
–JRR
Back to Top Renkus-Heinz Intros Crossover Array At InfoComm earlier this month, Renkus-Heinz launched what they care calling the IC2 (IC Squared), the first ever crossover array. The IC2 is a digitally steerable line array that combines the power and focus of point source loudspeaker technology with the control and flexibility of a digitally steered array.
According to Renkus-Heinz , the IC2's breakthrough technology integrates what they are calling “digital beam steering” into a powerful and versatile point source design. Four 8-inch low frequency Neodymium transducers and 1-inch Titanium Nitride coated HF drivers offer high SPL point source performance, while individual steering control of each driver gives the IC2unrivalled vertical pattern control for maximum intelligibility, even in the most reverberant spaces.
Each IC2 two-way 8-inch module delivers articulate musicality and powerful punch, with a versatile design that can be used as a stand-alone, high-performance loudspeaker, a small ground stack or a flown array of up to 20 cabinets. Each IC2 module can deliver up to four beams, with individual control over aiming and opening angles.
The IC2 isn’t on their website yet, but when it is, it will be here: http://www.renkus-heinz.com/products/products.html Back to Top DPI Shows Image Processors Digital Projection International (DPI) recently announced the launch of what they are claiming to be “near zero latency warp, blend and network control solutions.” As you all know, in signal processing usually there is a small amount of video signal latency that becomes obvious in live staging events. Well, according to DPI, the FUSION MD and FUSION 3D processors were created specifically to provide the most advanced multi-channel warp and blend for these critical real-time applications. The architecture of the FUSION processors results in video latency that equates to a just a few lines of single-video frame, amounting to near-zero latency from a human perception perspective. But, the amount of delay depends on which box you integrate:
The FUSION MD (minimum delay) is a high-bandwidth, near-zero latency processor that provides warp and blend for sources with resolution up to WUXGA (1920×1200) at 60Hz, and outputs to projectors with native resolution up to WUXGA as well.
The FUSION 3D is an “extreme bandwidth”, near-zero latency processor that provides warp and blend for sources with resolution up to WQXGA (2560×1600) at 60Hz, and outputs to projectors with native resolution up to WQXGA as well. Alternatively, the FUSION 3D can provide near-zero latency warp and blend for sources up to WUXGA at 120Hz, enabling it to support warp and blend for projectors being employed in the highest resolution 3D applications.
Here are all the details: http://www.digitalprojection.com/System3DAccessories/FUSIONSuite/tabid/136/Default.aspx
YES!! In one of the most difficult shows I've done in the past couple of years, the opening of an annual meeting was a large, mock-ESPN set with three commentators and several remote correspondents, which had to be laid into a large pan, and was really fast paced. Unfortunately, with the multiple processors we had to have involved at the time, the combined frame relay had me calling for unusual camera angles to hide the chinese-movie level lack of lip sync. Looking forward to some real hands-on time with one of these.
–JRR Back to Top Draper's FocalPoint Following the launch of its StageScreen series, Draper now introduces another innovation in modular projection screens for the AV rental market: the FocalPoint.
Designed for smaller venues than the StageScreen, FocalPoint is sized to fulfill typical screen inventories, such as for breakout rooms, meeting rooms, and other places a fast easy set up is needed. However, the FocalPoint retains the modular frame construction that it shares with StageScreen.
With frame segments made of extruded aluminum, the FocalPoint is both rigid and durable, yet lightweight. With no hinges, the FocalPoint features quick and easy assembly. All available sizes of FocalPoint are built from combinations of the same frame segments in short easy to use lengths. Even legs are constructed using these frame segments. The modular segments attach quickly, easily and securely end-to-end. Draper’s DuraLoop bungees and convenient nylon pull-tabs create a flat self-centering viewing surface that attaches with no snaps. In addition, a black border extends past the edge of the frame, hiding the DuraLoops and frame posts. Legs and Dress Kits are available. The Focal Point can also be flown or used to make a custom size screen.
Check out the rAVe NOW Video we shot of it at InfoComm: https://www.ravepubs.com/index.php?option=com_ravevideo&ravevideo_id=883&view=ravevideo
See all the specs and sizes here: http://www.draperinc.com/linked/infocomm2010/
Again, a well-thought out staging product. And it's nice to see the screen companies keeping up with the newest generation of video projection systems. There's a lot of new development specifically for rentals going on in the screen field, and its great to see.
–JRR Back to Top Extron DXP Digital Matrix Switcher for HDMI Routing The ProAV Market finally has a truly 100 percent HDCP key-compliant HDMI matrix switcher!
The Extron DXP HDMI Series are high-performance digital matrix switchers that route HDMI signals from multiple sources to any or all of up to eight HDMI-equipped display devices. These HDMI 1.3 compatible matrix switchers support resolutions up to 1920×1200 and HDTV 1080p/60, and are HDCP-compliant, enabling simultaneous distribution of a single source signal to one or more compliant displays.
Available in sizes of 4×4, 4×8, 8×4, and 8×8, the DXP HDMI Series is designed for ease of integration in applications that require reliable HDMI signal routing.
They include several convenience features common to Extron matrix switchers such as the QS-FPC- QuickSwitch Front Panel Controller, global presets, IP Link Ethernet control, and more.
Watch the rAVe NOW Video we shot of it at InfoComm here: https://www.ravepubs.com/index.php?option=com_ravevideo&view=ravevideo&ravevideo_id=1080
For complete specs, go here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=dxphdmi
Well, my next column was going to be about the difficulties in HDMI switching for rentals, with either home-oriented switchers without sufficient capacity or difficult-to-configure systems – but now I may have to look for another subject. This looks awesome.
–JRR Back to Top rAVe Get's Insider View of Christie MicroTiles – From the Inventor! We were given an hour with Bob Rushby, CTO of Christie Digital and inventor of the MicroTiles. If you ever wondered how they worked, you should watch these videos in order: Back to Top |
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