I don’t have one of those “Ask Me” signs over my head like you see at conferences, but I’ve been asked one question a lot, lately. Where are we going? It’s more than a column, for sure. Most of the education and education tech world was searching that answer along side me at ISTE 2012 (International Society for Technology in Education) in San Diego. I was there covering the conference, and participating in a student-run education think tank hosted by Dell. I was so impressed with the students at the table: Zak Malamed, Allison Wu, and Nikhil Goyal. These students represent everything that is right about kids today, as well as some very good news about our future.
Today, it’s no longer rare to have students contributing in education meetings, especially those involving technology. Most school districts with technology committees do that as a prerequisite. Not inviting students to share ideas is like not inviting customers to critique your products. Believe me, while the students at the Dell Think Tank may not have had the life experiences of the older crowd at the table, they unabashedly shared where we should be going in education and in education technology. It was not the destination of their parents! Their learning styles weren’t the 40-minute-in-your-seats blueprint, and they were adamant about changing outdated classroom design and learning delivery methods. Older adults sometimes seem to ramble on, afraid to cross over personal agenda lines, or take chances, but the young people at the education think tank pulled no punches. They were patient; they listened, and had purposeful direction, but not afraid to say what they thought. Those check points are necessities for any meeting—whatever the age of the participants.
Taking some time to plan a sit down for talking to the Where we are going? question, rather than around it, should be a scheduled priority in business as well as education. Just avoid letting those meetings turn into reminiscences of prior accomplishments, as so often happens at gatherings. Talk and listen — to new ideas and new voices — and share thoughts that everyday time restraints won’t permit; you may discover a purposeful direction. Remember to take notes, assign tasks, agree to follow up with a set future meeting date and meet regularly. Too many good ideas turn to dust without commitment.
So, where are we going? The answers are multi-faceted, and depend upon where you’re standing. It’s not earth shattering to me that some education-related companies are moving away from larger conferences like InfoComm, and to venues like UBTech instead. CES and InfoComm are extravaganzas, and while it’s a great way to see many companies and leaders in one place, having meaningful conversations can be more difficult. Maybe the best analogy for this move is that it’s more like attending a smaller university than a larger one. I really like the “smaller classes” idea for these shows, and I’m thinking many companies are thinking along the same lines, too. If you have a message, you need to go where it won’t be lost, especially if that venue provides you with the right audience for that message. And if you don’t have a message it’s easier to meet with people who can help you gather thoughts to build and sharpen one.
Tim Goral, editor-in-chief at University Business has nurtured UBTech since its early days, so I asked him to comment on UBTech’s direction. “Although it began in 2004 with an emphasis on the convergence of AV and IT, UBTech has grown to encompass the larger and more pervasive role of technology in higher education. We recognize that new technologies are disrupting the standard models of teaching and learning, and UBTech is at the forefront of addressing not only the impact of technology in the classroom, but also in showing its impact across campus in all areas, including financial services, facilities planning, admissions and marketing. UBTech is about technology innovation that matters in higher education,” says Goral. If higher education is your destination, where you’re going next year should include a Florida trip to UBTech 2013.
As for my recent ISTE12 destination, I easily found many of the same companies displaying their products and sharing their solutions with educators, education leaders and education purchasing agents. ISTE knows where it’s going, too; in 2013 it will be in San Antonio, Texas. At ISTE, the booths don’t have to be the size of small towns, the noise doesn’t have to blast eardrums, and the conversations seem to get to the right people. For instance, I had no trouble walking up to the NEC and BenQ booths to get treated royally. BenQ had this large two-touch screen that fit education needs perfectly. I handed my card over, so hopefully they’ll send me more info. ELMO had an interesting booth, where a young lady, named Yuka, was beautifully dressed in traditional Japanese clothing with a fan as an accessory — when opened, the fan broadcast the word ELMO. The company’s How to Tablet demonstration included teaching ideas and even some origami lessons. Each time I walked by the booth there was a packed audience. I told Matt Takekoshi, president of ELMO USA Corporation, that the clarity and brightness of the ELMO displays, along with good booth presenters was drawing people in. Educators were finding out what the tech could do as well as seeing it showcased. I have to say, at the best booths, at any conference, including ISTE, booth personnel stay off cell phones, and instead talk to and interact with conference attendees. More than their feet get tired — for sure. You and I know that good people representing a company make us want to know more about its products and solutions.
I sat down with Adobe’s Johann Zimmern, group manager of worldwide K-12 education, for a chat about where Adobe was headed. We discussed some great little Adobe app downloads. I’ve been using Photoshop forever, and taught students with Elements version 2, which certainly date me. I still have it on an old machine, but these new touch apps are tablet gems. I highly recommend Adobe Photoshop Touch, Debut, Proto, Ideas, and my favorite, Adobe Kuler. You don’t have to be an expert to be creative with them. You’ll be amazed at the magic at your fingertips. I did ask if the usual Adobe purchase bundling applied, but it seems Apple has a single-purchase scheme for apps.
I’ve known Zimmern for some time, so asking about Flash and HTML5 wasn’t a problem. It seems Adobe will continue to support Flash, but supporting HTML5 is the direction with purpose. All its CS6 products do that. I also want to make everyone aware that Adobe has always supported education with great pricing concepts, and asking the company for a district-purchasing model, or checking on its three-year subscription rates may fit even the strictest budgets.
Microsoft’s education direction is Office 365, but also some serious consideration of what the classroom of the future will look like. I learned a little of both when I tracked down Cameron Evans, CTO of education for Microsoft. “The Classroom of the Future is more of an experience than a place,” says Evans. “Technology has to be designed around people.” Evans sees this especially important in one of our biggest education challenges — graduation rates — high school and college. I’m glad he mentioned the latter. “Knowledge is important, but when you come into the workplace, you need know how,” says Evans. “To move to experience, the classroom of the future needs to be more dynamic than it is today.” Evans believes that the push will be to follow those universities and districts that have already moved education online. That said he believes that the physical place has to become more alive when students come in and their devices come in with them.
Evans points out that with gaming, students are used to having real time feedback, and understanding where they are with their own performance, and also where they are in relationship to everyone else. “Engagement needs to be far richer and far more dynamic, and that we are using telemetry from every event and non-event to inform instruction that completely wraps around each student,” says Evans. It seems that students like to know where they are going, too.
Evans and Microsoft also have an Office 365 view, too, and it was begun at the higher education level. At ISTE Cameron shared K12 365 with me. 365 is a free Microsoft service, about a year off the launch pad, which hopes not only to get education to the cloud, but also provide everything educators and students would need when they get there. Microsoft has and can leverage many assets to do this. Evans talked about the ability for learning continuity for students not only at school, but at home as well. Other key benefits with Office 365 are collaboration and increased productivity. With 365’s storage students can keep their entire learning history in a cloud portfolio. I think that the real-time editing, using SharePoint and Web apps, puts Microsoft in a great position with schools that haven’t gone other routes, weren’t certain how or were waiting for more options. “Fidelity is so important for the accessibility of learning for all students, regardless of age, socio-economic status, or need for assistive technologies,” says Evans. “It is not a social network… students (and parents) do not have to worry about their data being mined. Students remain anonymous.” I think that Evans backs up what most are saying about getting to the cloud sooner than later, when he says, “If you’re not in the cloud… you’re going to have to tell the taxpayers why you’re wasting their money!” To find out more of what Carmeron Evans is thinking, check out his blog, Higher Innovation: http://higherinnovation.net/
I also had the opportunity to meet with Mark Horan, Dell’s vice president and general manager public accounts and Jeff McNaught, executive director and marketing chief officer for Dell Wyse Cloud Client Computing. Now, while all that is a mouthful, it is very significant, and I knew why Horan had an even larger smile than I was used to seeing. I also knew of Jeff McNaught; I’d seen him on one of Leo LaPorte’s Twit Live shows more than a year ago. Wyse was doing zero client work at the time, so seeing him at the Dell meeting was interesting. I don’t think the ink on his Dell business cards had dried. The Dell/Wyse Virtual Device is small, light, isn’t rocket science to hook up and with the Dell/Wyse T10 option, it makes computing endpoint virus immune. You still have to safeguard the server. This is good news for those districts thinking of going the zero client routes, and sticking with Microsoft solutions. Dell/Wyse also has their Pocket Cloud solutions for BYOT (Bring Your Own Tech). Checking into Bundling would be budget friendly as well. Please view my video interview with Jeff McNaught for more information.
I must close with a mention of the wonderfully cheeky British crew from edugeek. They are the IT lifeline for many, and migrate across the pond for InfoComm and ISTE. For better or worse, we’ve sort of adopted each other into that special realm called friendship. If you haven’t checked them out, please do. They are an amazing crew online, and even more amazing in person. They seem to know where they’re going, too.
All that said it leaves so much more unsaid. But how can you really know where you’re going without a few excursions like this — and hopefully more of your own. Please check some of the links in this column and add them to your online destinations. Tell them I’ve sent you. And if you would like to tell me where you’re going, please contact me. Who knows, there may be a column or two in it, and sharing is what makes our day — and keeps all of us learning.
Ken Royal is a teacher/education and education technology blogger/reporter, video interviewer, podcaster, education event news commentator with 34 years of classroom/school and instructional technology experience. His teaching accomplishments include being four-time district teacher of the year, Connecticut Middle School Teacher of the Year and Bill and Melinda Gates award for Technology School of Excellence. Reach Ken at ken@ravepubs.com or on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/kenroyal
Are you using some out-of-date analog interface like VGA or DVI? Or, worse yet, composite, component or RGB with multiple coaxial cables? Or perhaps you are using an older digital interface like HDMI?
At Insight Media’s Projection Summit on June 11th, in Las Vegas just before InfoComm, there was a session on newer digital interfaces, both wired and wireless. There were four speakers presenting information on four different formats: Micha Risling, marketing committee chair, spoke for the HDBaseT Alliance; Leslie Chard, president, WHDI LLC spoke on WHDI; Quoqing Li, research scientist at Intel Labs spoke for the WiGig alliance; and Jeffery Gilbert, CTO, Silicon Image, spoke for the Wireless HD Consortium.
Not only were the four presentations good, there was also a lively debate during the panel discussion. While the debate may have not settled the question, “Which is the best interface?”, it certainly clarified the relative merits of the four new standards. “Which is the best interface?” is an unanswerable question anyway because it gets the immediate response from anyone knowledgeable about interfaces, including the four speakers, “For what application?”
Risling opened the session with a discussion of the HDBaseT standard, which uses CAT5e Ethernet cable to transmit video, two-way control signals and power, and has bandwidth left over for other 100BaseT Ethernet uses. The video is not limited to uncompressed HD; it can be 3D, 4K or High Frame Rate. He started with a list of challenges that all video connectivity interfaces must face:
Distance
Cost of installation
Cost of ownership
Convergence
Flexibility & Scalability
Since HDBaseT uses Cat5e wiring, this may already be installed and can be used. If it isn’t installed already, a new ProAV project may require it so it may not represent an added cost. Distance for HDBaseT is up to 100 meters (328 feet) according to the specification, or perhaps more, according to Risling. Within that distance, intervening walls, floors, etc. are not an issue, nor is interference between multiple signals, unlike wireless solutions.
He gave a long list of supporters of HDBaseT, including Crestron and Extron. If you don’t have the support of these two companies, you are a nobody in the ProAV crowd at InfoComm. HDBaseT is not just an approach for the future: projectiondesign was demonstrating HDBaseT connectivity in their booth at InfoComm.
The standard supports up to 100 watts of power, which is only enough for microprojectors — not lamp-based projectors, so power will still need to be run to the projector location.
The other three interfaces are wireless interfaces and are targeted mostly at consumer markets, although they can be used for ProAV applications as well. Chard discussed WHDI, an interface that uses the same 5GHz band that is used by Wi-Fi. WHDI transmits HD video with little latency. Since it shares the same band as Wi-Fi, it can be integrated with Wi-Fi for minimal additional cost, perhaps only $1 more than a Wi-Fi-only interface on a device.
According to Chard, there have been WHDI products available since 2008, which predates the specification itself. He said that in the 2012/2013 time frame, WHDI will be embedded in laptop and tablet computers and by 2014 it will be embedded in phone handsets. If you happen to have a WHDI-enabled display, this would certainly simplify the interfacing problem as you travel. WHDI-enabled pico, micro or ultra-portable projectors anybody?
WirelessHD and WiGig are competing standards and both are in the 60GHz band. This band has just recently been allocated for unlicensed operation so there are relatively few products of any type or any format that actually use the band. One characteristic of the band is its short range and minimal ability to penetrate barriers. This makes the 60GHz band suited for applications where you put your video source (e.g., handset) down near a display (e.g., projector or TV) and the two automatically connect and show the source content on the display with minimal human intervention.
Channels in the 60GHz band are much wider bandwidth than channels in the 5GHz band and can carry much more data. This enables other high data rate applications besides displays, such as wireless docking stations for laptops. Plop your laptop down on your desk and suddenly you are connected to all the corporate resources, including wide-bandwidth Internet and multi-terabyte disk drives.
Unlike the 5GHz band, signals in the 60 GHz band are highly directional and the systems must use a steerable antenna. If you are thinking of some big satellite dish with a servo motor, think again. The antennas are small and electronically steerable in times of less than 1 mS. Gilbert says they are very small, typically requiring < 1 percent area of 5GHz antennas.
I don’t want to go into the differences between the two 60GHz standards for two main reasons: 1) this Display Daily is running out of room and 2) I’m not sure I fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of the two standards compared to each other. However, the speakers did note that WiGig is an open standard whereas Wireless HD requires royalty payments.
As mentioned before, there was a lively discussion after the formal presentations over the advantages of wired vs. 5GHz vs. 60GHZ. Two topics of particular interest were interference between multiple users of wireless displays and penetration through walls and other barriers. Of course, for these interference and penetration discussions, Risling was content and self satisfied: Interference is simply not a problem for a wired connection.
The Projection Summit proceedings, including the presentations by these four speakers, are available from Insight Media. Click HERE for details.
Sony Intros Three New Portable Projectors at InfoComm
Sony debuted three new portable projectors at InfoComm, including the VPL-DX120 (XGA at 2600 lumens), VPL-DX140 (XGA at 3200 lumens) and VPL-DW120 (WXGA at 2600 lumens). All three projectors weigh 5 lbs., 7 oz. They are incorporated with Sony’s “Off and Go” feature for removal immediately after use, have auto keystone adjustment and keystone distortion and include a carrying case. In addition, all three projectors have an Auto Mode (Auto Brightness Adjustment Function), where the brightness of the lamp’s output is automatically adjusted depending on the brightness of the projected image, to avoid unnecessary power consumption. Sony claims that this feature helps the lamps to last approximately 7,000 hours.
The new models offer 12-bit 3D digital gamma correction and users can choose from any of six pre-configured picture modes (dynamic, standard, game, blackboard, cinema and presentation). A blackboard mode lets users make color adjustments easily during projection to blackboard surfaces.
The models’ security pack includes security locks (password and mechanical), a security bar and panel key lock. Simple interfaces include HDMI for digital image and audio input. The new models in the VPL-D100 series are all planned to be available in late summer 2012, with suggested list pricing has not yet been set.
Panasonic will begin shipping its 65" Interactive Plasma Display (TH-65PB1 with electronic pen functions) by the end of June. Panasonic's Interactive Plasma Display capitalizes on the benefits of self-emitting plasma display panels, allowing users to write quickly and draw with up to four electronic pens simultaneously. The TH-65PB1, capable of being installed vertical and horizontal, includes two electronic pens and drawing software.
Panasonic also says that an 85” model and a 103” model will both be available by the end of this year.
At InfoComm, SurgeX will launch Axess, a new line of IP-addressable, surge-eliminating and power conditioning management systems that allow integrators to monitor and control power distribution platforms 24/7 via the Internet. This powerful system can customize, synthesize and monitor individual outlets and power settings on integrated IP-enabled devices via remote access. Custom sequences can be created across the entire network with email notifications sent about various power phenomena, based on user-defined conditions. The entire Axess line includes two-way communication that monitor and manage system energy usage. The Axess Elite line also collects temperature, voltage measurements and current draw measurements and reports back via a user-friendly energy and power usage display.
For more basic IP needs, SurgeX now offers a line of Axess Ready products. The base SurgeX products, including FlatPak, Space Savers and NEMA solutions can now be controlled over IP. All Axess Ready products are network attached and feature an intuitive user interface that makes operating the outlet and changing configuration parameters and give users the ability to remote reboot any device that is connected to the Axess Ready product as well as conserve energy by powering down equipment when not in use.
Axess and Axess Elite also feature the core technology behind the SurgeX brand: Advanced Series Mode (ASM) Surge Elimination Technology. The SurgeX patented Advanced Series Mode Surge Elimination Technology claims to be completely non-sacrificial and eliminates surge energy without producing harmful side effects such as ground contamination or common-mode disturbances.
Extron Now Shipping Low Profile, Fast-Installing Speaker with SpeedMount
Extron is now shipping the SM 3, a compact, fast-installing flush mount speaker featuring the Extron SpeedMount System. This 8-ohm speaker features a 3" (7.6 cm) full-range driver and tuned bass port, a wide frequency response of 75 Hz to 18 kHz, plus a power rating of 15 watts continuous pink noise and 30 watts continuous program capacity. The enclosure for the SM 3 measures less than 4" (10.2 cm) deep. SpeedMount is an Extron-exclusive, concealed mounting system designed to speed up installation. During rough-in, electrical contractors can install a 0-degree or 10-degree mounting plate on the wall and terminate the speaker cable to the mount's integrated wiring contacts. Later, installers can slide the SM 3 speaker onto the mount and secure it into place with a "click," automatically connecting to the wiring contacts on the mounting plate.
The SM 3 speaker is aimed at small to medium classrooms and conference rooms where surface mount speakers are desired, but wall space for speaker placement is limited. It provides wide frequency response and wide coverage from a compact enclosure to optimize voice intelligibility without compromising music reproduction.
A release on the speaker baffle allows for quick removal from the mount. The release is hidden and can be locked to deter theft, together with the concealed speaker wiring contacts. When used with the 0-degree mounting plate, the SM 3 protrudes less than 4" from the wall to comply with ADA requirements on protrusion limits.
Peerless-AV Adds iPad Stand and Universal Tablet Mount
Peerless-AV announced today the availability of two universal desktop tablet mounts — the PTM400 and the PTM200 Universal Tablet Cradle, as well as the KP510-B Tablet Stand for iPads.
The PTM400 Universal Desktop Tablet Mount features adjustability functions that can fit most tablet devices on the market today. Both the width and height are adjustable, allowing installers to ensure expensive devices can be manipulated by desktop or standing users without the risk of breakage. The PTM400 version features standard Philips-head screwdriver tightening, while the PTM400(S) also offers theft-resistant hardware. With thirty degrees of tilt and swivel and three hundred sixty degrees of roll, the tablet can be positioned for maximum visibility and usefulness. Available in white or black, the Universal Desktop Tablet Mount also features integrated cables, which ensure wiring can be routed through the back of the mount.
The Universal Tablet Cradle PTM200 is adjustable to fit most tablet devices up to 0.75” in thickness. It also features a 75x75mm VESA pattern, which enables it to attach seamlessly to any other wall mount with a matching VESA pattern. Available in black or silver, the cradle mount comes with hardware covers that lend the product a professional appearance. There is also a PTM200(S) available with theft-resistant hardware.
Designed specifically for Apple iPad 1 and iPad 2 devices, the KP510-B-I Tablet Stand provides customers with a stable and easily accessible platform to showcase content. It stands at 45 inches tall, which Peerless says is the ideal height for users to operate the device comfortably, and fits the product within ADA reach distance guidelines. Weighing only 19 pounds, the stand can be moved easily and comes with security hardware to deter theft of the tablet PC. The clamshell style encasement securely surrounds the tablet PC while providing quick and easy access to power, cable and other inputs. The cover design hassle-free opening and closing for maintenance or swapping out the tablets.
Panasonic Intros Interactive Professional Plasmas for Higher ED, Corporate Applications
Panasonic last week announced a new series of interactive plasma displays, the PB1 Series. The new displays offer pixel-for-pixel accuracy, plus full whiteboard and presentation capability. They are targeted at higher education settings as well as corporate meeting rooms.
The PB1 Series features high-speed and simultaneous multiple-input drawing capabilities via the new electronic pen system. Panasonic says this system detects and displays the pen position 60 times a second on each pixel. The system allows up to four pens to be used at once for actions such as written annotation, drawing and moving items independently around the screen. Additionally, the system includes handwriting recognition software.
Offered as the 65” TH-65PB1, 85” TH-85PB1 and 103” TH-103PB1, these professional plasma displays also feature flexible wireless connectivity via a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. Previously, if several users wanted to share the screen, they would have to switch connection cables manually. Now, with the Panasonic Easy Wireless Stick (ET-UW100), users can automatically show their PC or Mac screens on the display without installing any software using their PC’s Wi-Fi or changing any of the computer’s network settings. With the Easy Wireless Stick, the PB1 Series requires no connection cables and allows up to 16 PC connections to be shown on the screen in different cells at any given time via the Multi Live Mode.
The TH-65PB1 will be shipping this summer, while the TH-85PB1 and TH-103PB1 are targeted for shipments later towards the end of the year.
FSR will debut its new Top Shelf wall-mounted enclosure at InfoComm, which is basically a 4RU rack space enclosure that can be wall or ceiling mounted. Top Shelf includes space to mount AC receptacles, AV interfaces and rack-mounted AV and IT gear. It features nine single-gang positions, four double-gang positions, and six single gang positions for IPS plates. All is enclosed in a locking cover that allows Wi-Fi and other wireless RF signals to pass between the equipment and the room.
In addition, the Top Shelf includes wire management. When it's on the FSR website, it will be here: http://www.fsrinc.com/
Panasonic Announces Two Lamp-Free HDBaseT Projector Series
Panasonic announced at InfoComm a lamp-free projector series with HDBaseT technology. These new projectors replace a conventional lamp with new LED/laser diodes to realize long lasting high brightness. The one-chip DLP PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 Series projectors will be made available in two different resolutions, 1080p (1920×1080) and WXGA (1280×800). Panasonic says the new lighting technology offers 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation.
Based on Valens HDBaseT technology, Panasonic’s Digital Link is embedded in the projector series, allowing a single cable to transmit uncompressed videos signals, audio, and control commands up to 100 meters (328 feet). The need for an external receiver is eliminated when the projectors are used together with Panasonic’s new ET-YFB100 switcher box or other switchers with HDBaseT chipset.
They also have an ambient light sensor (which the company calls its Daylight View Basic technology) and adjusts the brightness based on the surrounding lighting conditions. Together with the wide color space and vivid colors of the projector, they help viewing of the projectors in rooms with bright lights. DICOM Simulation mode is also available for use in medical training applications.
The PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 Series are designed with 2x zoom and wide lens shift range. This provides flexibility for replacement installations, eliminating the need to reposition an existing universal ceiling mount.
The PT-RZ470 Series support 360-degree installation and portrait mode projection. No intricate mirror is necessary to realize these special projections, changing and expanding the way projectors can be used in a variety of environments. They are equipped with a number of professional features, including built-in edge blending, color matching and multi-unit brightness control function that enables multiple unit projection without any need for external processors. 3D compatibility is another benefit boasted by the new series.
The PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 Series projectors will be available starting in Q4 2012.
Sony Launches Three New Short Throw Projectors, Adds Interactivity
Sony has launched three new additions to its ultra short throw projector family, the VPL-SW535C, VPL-SW525C and VPLSW525.
The company added interactive writing capabilities for the VPL-SW535C and VPL-SW525C, which enable simultaneous dual-touch interactive annotation on the projection screen with the use of supplied pen devices and drawing software. The interactive pens work as a computer mouse or writing device during virtual whiteboard mode. In a classroom environment, they allow users to easily incorporate many of third party curriculum software products to launch interactive lessons. In a corporate environment, instant communication space can be established using virtual whiteboard mode.
The new models are capable of delivering a large image from an extremely short distance (e.g., an 80-inch image can be achieved from 19 inches distance from the screen). All the three models offer WXGA projection with the VPL-SW535C claiming 3000 lumens color light output and VPL-SW525C and VPL-SW525 spec'ing 2500 lumens. Features include auto lamp dimming, a 6,000-hour expected lamp replacement timing, four percent vertical and two percent horizontal optical lens shift and a supplied wall mount bracket.
Samsung Techwin Intros Compact, HD Document Camera for $499
Samsung Techwin America’s Electronic Imaging Division has announced the SDP-760, a budget-conscious document camera that outputs native HD (1920x1080p) at 30fps.
Equipped with dual noise reduction technology, plus an 8x digital zoom lens, Samsung says the SDP-760 provides a clear, noise-less picture even in low-light environments. A a built-in single LED lamp is available when additional lighting is needed.
Connectivity features include a VGA output, composite video, high speed USB 2.0, as well as RS-232. The SDP-760 is compatible with any interactive whiteboard with the Samsung Viewer App, and will function as a web cam input.
WolfVision Intros Fourth Generation VZ-8 Visualizers at InfoComm
WolfVision introduced the fourth generation of its VZ-8 Series Visualizers at InfoComm, adding a 1080p camera and redesigned housing.
The new VZ-8light4 Visualizer provides all the basic features that every user requires. Besides the native 1080p HD resolution at 30 fps (frames per second), new features include a basic LAN port and HDMI input and output. With an optional 'Feature Pack' the VZ-8light4 can be upgraded to include infrared remote control, USB host port functionality, nine-image internal memory and external image memory capability.
The new VZ-8plus4 is the most innovative unit of WolfVision's new VZ-8 Series. It's the first Visualizer with a frame rate of 60 fps (frames per second), at native 1080p HD resolution. Other new features include an LCD live preview monitor, enhanced LAN/network features, and all the new features of the VZ-8light with the optional Feature Pack.
Sony’s newest projector family for classroom use is the VPL-E200 series. The new models have brightness specs from 2,600 lumens up to 3,700 lumens and are available in XGA (1024×768) and WXGA (1280×768).
With the E200 series, Sony has taken a significant step toward further extending lamp life. By applying what Sony is claiming as a new fine-tuned cooling system to reduce clouding of the bulb, lamp life can be extended to up to approximately 7,000 hours, depending on the lamp mode selected. Additionally, the new models adopt Sony’s auto lamp dimming function, where the projector intelligently detects if it is left powered on with a static signal being fed. When a static signal is detected, the lamp can be dimmed as low as 30 percent of original brightness after certain time intervals set by the user.
The new projectors have an Auto Mode (Auto Brightness Adjustment Function), where the brightness of the lamp’s output is automatically adjusted depending on the brightness of the projected image, to avoid unnecessary power consumption. For example, when showing darker images that don’t require high brightness, the lamp output will decrease.
Synchronized lamp and filter maintenance timing also contributes to reduced cost of ownership. The filter will last as long as the lamp, which means lamp replacement and filter cleaning can be performed quickly, easily and at the same time.
The projectors' 1.6x standard zoom lens and variety of inputs allows the projector to fit a broad range of applications (the VPL-EX225 and VPL-EW225 are 1.3x zoom). Other features include a 16-watt speaker and a variety of interfaces (2xRGB, HDMI, S-Video, RS-232C, RJ-45, plus microphone inputs for when you want to use the projector as a speaker for the instructor).
The VPL-E200 series offers a choice of six picture modes (dynamic, standard, game, blackboard, cinema and presentation) and all include security locks (password and mechanical), a security bar and panel key lock.
The new models in the VPL-E200 series are all planned to be available in late summer 2012, with suggested list pricing TBD. The VPL-E200 series will include:
VPL-EW275 (WXGA at 3,700 lumens)
VPL-EW245 (WXGA at 3,100 lumens)
VPL-EW225 (WXGA at 2,600 lumens)
VPL-EX275 (XGA at 3,700 lumens)
VPL-EX245 (XGA at 3,200 lumens)
VPL-EX225 (XGA /at 2,700 lumens)
These projectors aren't on Sony's website yet because they don't list products until they ship.
Krell Industries has introduced the new Phantom III stereo preamplifier. The Phantom III is the first Krell preamplifier to include either an optional digital input module or a headphone input. The digital module features AES/EBU, coaxial and optical digital inputs for use with streaming devices or other digital sources and supports up to 24 bit/192kHz LPCM. All digital signals are fed to an ESS Sabre DAC and then sent to Krell's Current Mode, discrete, balanced analog circuitry.
Oversized for a preamplifier, the power supply features a 95 VA transformer and 40,000 µF of capacitance, giving it the ability to respond quickly to musical demands. The large power supply improves noise rejection and renders the Phantom III impervious to all but the most severe AC voltage power fluctuations. A new eco-friendly standby mode reduces power consumption to 2 watts.
Phantom III Preamplifier lists for $5,500. With the Digital Module Option, it's $7,000. All the specs are here: http://krellonline.com/
Well, that's it for this edition of rAVe! Thank you for spending time with us as we muse the industry's happenings. To continue getting my newsletter, or to sign up a friend, click the link below. To send feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, Publisher Gary Kayye at gary@ravepubs.com or Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about Gary Kayye, CTS, founder of rAVe and Kayye Consulting. Gary Kayye, an audiovisual veteran and columnist, began the widely-read KNews, a premier industry newsletter, in the late 1990s, and created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which later became InfoComm IQ. Kayye Consulting is a company that is committed to furthering the interests and success of dealers, manufacturers, and other companies within the professional audiovisual industry.
rAVe Pro Edition launched in February 2003. rAVe Home Edition, co-sponsored by CEDIA, launched in February 2004. rAVe Rental [and Staging] launched in November 2007. rAVe Ed [Education] began publication in May 2008.
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rAVe Ed [Education] contains the opinions of the authors only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.