Volume 5, Issue 7 — July 31, 2014
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brAVe New World Aeiforia Technos Editorial Editorial Editorial
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Future Tech, Pro AV and Sustainability: Internet of Things
By Midori Connolly AVGirl Productions
As promised last month, I am continuing the exploration of futuristic technologies that may have a major impact on the audiovisual industry. This month, I want to continue the conversation on the Internet of Things. One year ago this month, I wrote about the coming age of the Internet of Things (also commonly called the Programmable World and occasionally the Internet of Everything) as a broad overview of what we could expect to see. Because it incorporates wearables, energy efficiency, sustainability, video, sound and mobile, this ecosystem of technology is most likely to have the greatest impact on our industry and even the world around us. So where do we stand, and where do we go from here?
First, as I see it, there are three phases of development when it comes to the technology at play. As you can see from my fancy diagram, during phase one, these “things” get a voice. What gives them a voice? Generally, we see the following:
- Motion sensors — Primarily infrared or ultrasonic. Usage has been seen in the ability to detect whose footsteps are nearing a house door, so the appropriate applications are enabled when they unlock the door.
- NFC — Near Field Communication, a chip that transmits and receives data at close range. Built on the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) communication protocol, similar to your pet’s microchip, these are used in “presence tags” that carry a unique identifier that generates a trigger such as text message to parent that a child has arrived home.
- Geofencing — Wi-Fi Triangulation, GPS and other location-driven technology. One example is if you’ve ever used the “Remind me” feature on your phone to call someone back when you leave or arrive somewhere (one of my favorites!).
- Bluetooth Smart — Bluetooth Smart is probably the technology used the most in connecting devices and people. The sensor that collects and transmits the information is the Bluetooth Smart device, and these work in partnership with a Bluetooth Smart Ready device, such as a smart phone that receives the data and processes it in an application. One major advantage to Bluetooth Smart is that they use minimal energy and can potentially run off of a tiny battery for years.
As products have acquired these voices, they’ve entered phase two, which is where I see the major push of investment in the Programmable World. These things are now starting to join a system… but what has been discovered is that they don’t all speak the same language! Just like much of the tech world, there isn’t a widespread ecosystem that enables all of the things (no matter which brand, type of “voice” or manufacturer) to talk to one another. Getting some of the most notice are projects such as the Allseen Alliance and MQTT.org, where thousands of developers are coming together to try to standardize the language so we don’t end up with the frustration of phone-not-talking-to-car-that-talks-to-fridge-but-fridge-talks-to-phone…you know what I’m talking about.
The final phase is the glimpse into the future — and I talked about this last year in my conversation with Howard Nunes. Where the things actually become smart and start to use predictive intelligence to anticipate our needs. For example, when I put the BBQ on the calendar, the pool heats that morning to 85 and when Jim arrives, his presence tag starts the Jacuzzi (we all have that friend).
Overall, the implications of this technology are massive. It’s definitely not difficult to see how the development of the Programmable World will influence every part of our lives, sustainability and the audiovisual industry included. Leave a Comment
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How Green is Your Label?
By Raymond Kent Managing Principal, Sustainable Technologies Group
In the ever increasing landscape of a technology driven world, a key marketplace differentiator for manufacturers on a wide range of products is environmental sustainability. By 2015, over 100 Billion units of electronic goods will be shipped worldwide and corporate environmental sustainability initiatives from manufacturers are expected to have a major impact on their delivery. Major drivers include not just Harry Homeowner buying a new TV or smart phone but corporate policy, business to business transactions, and government procurement policies all driven by a strong desire to reduce environmental impact. This is so prevalent that the certification body UL recently compiled a white paper outlining the verification of environmental sustainability in the electronics marketplace as a guideline to electronics manufacturers. So much of what the technology industry does has such an influential impact on everyday life that taking an overview look at this report and others like it is worth the while.
As the report indicates, one of the major influences is the fact that consumers (public, private and corporate) of technology are not only concerned with product specific attributes regarding environmental performance, but also broader impacts that the entire life cycle brings to the table. This includes, in some cases, a wide lens on a manufacturer’s overall business practices, operations and core values as buyers increasingly gravitate towards manufacturer’s that are demonstrated leaders in environmental stewardship.
Quite often, however, is the challenge for the technology manufacturing sector not knowing what to do or where to start. Selecting the right product environmental sustainability strategy continues to increase in complexity within the marketplace. If you have been a continuous reader of many of my past articles, you have read about efforts by some corporate leaders such as Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola and Cisco (to name a few) to look at their business practices and supply chains to reduce their overall carbon footprint. These titans have had the opportunity to look at not only the public relations of environmental stewardship but the benefits to their bottom lines.
In the Information Communications Technology (ICT) industry, we have seen the sale of electronic durable goods just in the United States double within a ten year period. Most of this has been on the personal electronics side with the average household now having around 24 electronic devices with smart phones making up the majority. Businesses and other commercial environments including healthcare, governmental and education markets, however, have seen a string of other innovative and disruptive electronic devices flood the market lately, each offering increased functionality and ease of use, continues to add to the mix in an increasingly strong way. If you were at the recent InfoComm trade show in Las Vegas this past June, you saw hundreds of thousands of these devices.
On the upside, that is great news for the ICT industry that makes and distributes a lot of these goods on one hand, but as I have also discussed in previous articles, the downside is a wave of used electronics is also hitting the market in the form of e-waste, many of these may be resold elsewhere, most will be discarded representing 2.4 million tons room in the landfill. Sadly only about 25 percent will actually be collected for recycling leaving about 1.8 million to remain buried under the dirt to leach into groundwater and rendering land unusable for centuries.
In addition to these challenges, a rise in energy consumption has also been illustrated by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has nearly doubled for electronics use in the past 30 years. This is offsetting many major gains in efficiencies of building systems such as HVAC, daylight harvesting and electrical systems. This increase is not only a result of “built-in” or resident systems, but a direct influence of the Bring Your Own Device mentality now staunchly built into our world.
These challenges, and others, are what is driving consumer demand for more environmentally sustainable electronic devices higher up the “gotta haves.” Additionally increasing regulatory directives, including the European RoHS (2002/95/EC, 2001/65/EU) Directive and the International Green Construction Code, among others, have set high standards for compliance for power management and the restricted use of caustic materials such as lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium. As a result most products sold today in the electronics industry are RoHS compliant or meet minimum power demand requirements.
Another significant driver with sheer volume demand is in governmental procurement policies. For example in the U.S., under Presidential Order 13514, government agencies are encouraged to purchase products that are registered with the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) rating system with corresponds to around 6 trillion dollars spent.
Manufacturers are not shying away from doing this on their own either. Industry initiatives have seen a rise in supporting more sustainable electronic products including the Consumer Electronics Association, National Cable & Telecommunications Association and many others. On the consumer side we have seen a rise in meeting Energy Star 3.0 efficiency levels, resulting in an estimated savings of $1.5 billion in energy annually. Recently in our own industry the Sustainable Technology Environments Program (STEP™) has been expanding and changing working on a STEP™ rating for manufacturers through the STEP Foundation that would be a TIA TR-42 standard that follows in sync with the UL880 Standard for Sustainability for Manufacturing Organizations (look for more on this as it develops).
Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and advocacy groups are also involved as quite often they are key watchdogs of the chemicals and energy used in the manufacturing process. Most often they are interested in the end-of-life aspects, the material waste, and supply chain or electronics manufacturers. NGOs such as Responsible Recycling (R2) and e-Stewards have developed standards that detail proper recycling and handling of electrics at the end of useful life including with avenues for recycling and reuse of devices.
One of the additional drivers of the environmentally sustainable technology path is the consumer — especially the millennial generation, if you red last month’s article you hopefully paid attention that this generation is demanding more and more that their places of employment bring an “a-game” to the idea of sustainability. This generation in particular has grown up with electronics pervasive to every aspect of their life but they also have more of a social and ecological conscience than other generations. They use this technology (smart phones) with apps like GoodGuide, Rippi or Commute Greener to navigate their environment. They also seem to have more of a penchant for spending disposable cash on technology as well often with environmental concerns at the forefront of their mind when making the purchase. They are extremely important as they will represent 75 percent of the workforce by 2025. This age bracket is very comfortable in the world of the Internet of Everything and expects everything to be connected creating a fervent demand for technology products but with a conscience.
With these drivers manufacturers need to look at what attributes of their product line and corporation they should be focused on. These attributes can include the product itself — materials used, packaging, energy consumption, etc — or if the product comes from a renewable resource or recycled content. Also, does the product contain hazardous materials (back to RoHS) or volatile organic compounds? What is its durability and expected useful life? Are any of the components reusable after the product has reached its end-of-life?
Other attributes may be how the product is actually made — the process. Are there hazardous by products of the manufacturing process? Is there waste that can’t be recycled back into the process or recycled to other manufacturers? Does the manufacturing process contaminate natural resources or expel green house gas emissions? How does a product get stored or transported? These questions combined with the actual product itself contribute to its life-cycle and include materials sourcing, distribution, maintenance, and end-of-life considerations.
Additionally corporate-specific attributes contribute beyond the product itself to the core values of the electronics manufacturer including policies and actions it takes towards environmental stewardship. This goes beyond the walls of the plant and extends into the community and possible the world as we have seen with Wal-Mart’s sustainable supply chain initiatives. Public perception plays the key role here and how the company presents their actionable plan will certainly have impacts. The key for electronics manufacturers is to be clear in what they mean by “sustainability” lest they be labeled as green washing their products.
With the understanding of these attributes and key drives to what this matters, the UL white paper helped to identify paths that manufacturers can take for verification of environmental sustainability. The biggest one is the eco-label product certification. Just fewer than 450 eco-labels are used worldwide that seeks to substantiate a manufacturer’s claim of stewardship. Unfortunately, like any standard, not all are equal and need some vetting to understand them.
Types of standards include those that deal with one attribute of a product such as power management/power savings feature while others look at a broad spectrum of attributes. Single attribute eco-labels are helpful if a consumer is looking for a product that delivers on one particular aspect such as recycled content, sustainably managed forest certified wood products or low VOC paint, for instance. A multi-cast approach gives a broader view of a product looking to showcase the product overall as good for the environment. How these labels and standards are developed also tell a lot about the truthiness of the claims. Having an ANSI/ISO standard, for instance, gives recognition that the process was open and public leading to more credibility with the consumer. Having a standard that is regularly reviewed and developed in that public forum also bolsters its credibility. How the eco-label standard is adjudicated is also a driving factor in its worthiness. For instance, was it verified by an independent third party or on the honor system with the manufacturer? Depending on the label, this can have good or bad consequences. Because of this, eco-labels that are based on open standards over a multitude of attributes, verified by third parties tend to be more believable by consumers.
For example, Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) provides a comprehensive look at a products environmental foothold cradle to cradle and has been verified by third party entities. These tend to address many of the attribute listed above and are categorized as Type III eco-labels as defined under ISO 14025.This type of eco-label is the most informative for consumers and differ from the label types in their comprehensiveness. Type I labels, for instance, relate to a specific environmental standard whereas Type II labels are self-declarations of compliancy or benefit without third party verification.
With these labels environmental claims validation becomes a major factor in their perceived validity. Often manufacturers will have claims verified by third parties as a result of a demand by a buyer or to be proactive in making sure a claim can be substantiated before questioned. Type III labels require this validation making it an easier choice for consumers to follow. In addition to the initial validation testing, manufacturers may request or be subjected to additional audits of their claims especially if there are complaints or concerns or if laws and policies change.
More specific to electronics is the EPEAT rating system which looks at electronics throughout its entire life cycle. This rating system follows the IEEE 1680 family of environmental assessment standards and the validation tests are performed by specific product registration entities against these requirements. Currently electronics such as monitors, computers, and imaging equipment are listed and more categories are added as demand arises.
Originally funded by the EPA, the Green Electronics Council now operates and maintains the EPEAT system which has become the de facto rating for electronics purchases for Federal, state and local governments as well as other major market sectors such as healthcare and education.
So as manufacturers continue to move on this, many avenues are available. The challenge is the rapid development of new products into the marketplace, competitive pricing environments and the intentional reduction in product life cycles (Just ask Apple). Electronic manufacturers looking to stay competitive and profitable can benefit from a more holistic approach to sustainability. This isn’t about jumping on the band wagon but looking inward to change culture, drive innovation, and generate loyal customers who are increasingly seeking out sustainable products. Leave a Comment
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InfoComm: Do Lasers Mean a New Age for Projection Technology?
By Monica Heck Special to InfoComm International
It’s safe to say that laser has ushered in a new era for projection technology. Challenging the dominance of lamps in an increasing number of market segments, laser technology has been key to the development of the new era of solid-state light sources.
Projector light source history even has its own watershed Before Casio and After Casio eras: Casio shocked the market in 2010 when it unveiled the first high-brightness mercury-free hybrid laser/LED light source at CES, described at the time a generating over 2,000 lumens.
“Laser within projection was key to Casio,” comments Phil Clark, head of projection at Casio. “Without laser, we couldn’t have invented that light source because laser was the boosting mechanism to get that high brightness, which previous LED solutions didn’t have.”
Soon thereafter, other manufacturers started announcing their own flavor of laser-based solid-state projectors. Various combinations of true laser, LED-laser and laser-phosphor emerged to target various applications, aiming to drive down the costs associated with lamp technology while improving projector brightness and eco-friendliness.
Defining Laser
Insight Media senior analyst Matthew S. Brennesholtz reported from the recent Display Summit at InfoComm that the industry seems to have settled on some badly needed standard terminology to describe the solid-state projector world.
A laser projector is defined as a projector where all the light energy comes from lasers. “This includes projectors with RGB lasers and blue lasers driving phosphors,” says Brennesholtz. “No LEDs are used.” He highlights that pure laser projectors can go way beyond the current 12K-lumen limit of laser-phosphor, to 60K lumen and over.
Aimed at an ultra-niche d-cinema market, these ultra-bright projectors can fill large screens at a numbered amount of high-end venues worldwide. High-brightness laser projectors are no longer just a conversation topic — they are now hitting the market. Barco launched its new 6P laser for the cinema market last March in Las Vegas, saying the 60K-lumen 4K projector for large-screen format applications would soon go live in the United States and China.
Barco’s pure-laser projector is aimed at cinema but will have other applications like large venue, outdoor projection and projection mapping applications.
“A big advantage for applications that run for a long time is the fairly constant brightness,” says Bram Dieryckx, director for projector product management at Barco. “A lamp decays fairly quickly over time from hundred percent to fifty percent, at which point you have to replace it. With laser, the brightness decays over the full lifetime of the laser — which is around fifty thousand hours — to eighty percent.”
A single laser projector installation can show 3D at much higher brightness and circumvent the rapid Xenon lamp burn-out common in dual projector installations, notes Brennesholtz. He also highlights that the new 6 Primary 3D projectors, such as the one launched by Barco, are taking full advantage of the properties of laser beyond using it as a bulk light source.
The second category is defined as the laser phosphor projector: a projector where at least one channel comes from a laser driving a phosphor, either a blue laser to drive a yellow phosphor or a blue laser driving red and green phosphors. No LEDs are used in this projector.
Digital Projection introduced a 12K-lumen laser phosphor projector at ISE this year. “You can buy cheap 1.6-watt blue lasers as they are manufactured at high volume,” explained Dermot Quinn, director of product development at Digital Projection. “The projector industry is leveraging that volume and pointing lots of them at a spot on a phosphor material, so it’s no longer laser light — there isn’t direct laser light of any significant amount coming from the projector, so the regulatory industry takes a friendlier view to it. And, because the laser spots are very small, you can create quite an efficient light source.”
Finally comes the famous hybrid projector, first patented by Casio but now developed by others, which uses LEDs in at least one channel. “Bringing LED and laser together was the eureka moment of how the industry could create high brightness projection that could be used outside of small meeting room in the mass market,” says Clark.
Optoma also offers a hybrid projector range targeted at education and markets where people look at TCO rather than price. “Those products are a little more expensive than traditional lamp based products,” says Optoma head of product management Justin Halls, “but the target customer has been through the process of deploying a large number of traditional lamp-based projectors and can see that the benefits and cost savings in not having to maintain them.”
The Downside of Laser
The component cost of laser is a key factor holding that technology back from the mass market. Making a pure laser projector is more expensive than making a laser-phosphor or hybrid model.
Other downsides of laser technology include speckle on the screen and energy consumption linked to projector cooling. Laser technologies have in the past caused concern to regulatory bodies for reasons that included potential fire hazards linked to the pure power of the laser. However, those concerns are starting to ease and regulatory bodies are relaxing as this new technology matures.
Difficulties with sourcing green lasers and lack of brightness have also hampered hybrid laser and laser phosphor projectors.
“Hybrid laser or laser phosphor up until now have generated up to 3K lumens but I anticipate some developments that will enable that to do higher brightness,” says Halls. “I think we’ll start seeing laser phosphor products up to 7K, 8K or possibly 10K lumens.”
Early Days for Laser
The solid-state market as a whole is 5.2 percent of the projector light source market (excluding handheld and embedded pico), according to figures by Futuresource. Non-laser RGB LED is 3.8 percent of that number and pure laser and hybrid laser combined make up just 1.4 percent of the global total in 2013.
“It’s small but still growing and clearly has a huge future,” according to Futuresource senior analyst Mike Fisher. “It’s a technology that’s needed for the projection market to remain relevant as it opens up new markets, and opportunities like digital signage, for example, demands needs 24/7 usage.”
Digital signage installations also welcome the fact that solid-state projectors don’t have orientation limitations, which allow them to consider projectors instead of flat panels. Optoma showed a 2,500-lumen laser-LED hybrid projector at InfoComm this year, aimed at the digital signage market.
The 2K to 3K-lumen solid-state market numbers dropped slightly in 2013, which Fisher attributes to lamp projector solution providers’ becoming more aggressive with their lamp offerings and the performance of lamps rising. The rise of flat panels replacing projectors in some areas has also had an influence and Fisher feels it’s down to laser performance and cost.
Fisher expects the 3.5K to 7K-lumen higher end solid-state installation, simulation, visualization market, to see the most growth for laser solutions this year, with companies like Panasonic and Sony launching products. “It’s still niche, but high value and strong growth and we expect that to continue and expect other vendors coming into the market as well.”
Does Laser Mean a New Era for Projection?
Opinions vary on how much of an impact laser technology will have going forward but consensus is that the mainstream market is likely to benefit most from laser technology.
“If you need the world’s brightest projector and spend a quarter of a million dollars, you can do it,” says Quinn. “At the low end of the market, it’s questionable that people would even pay a premium for a projector or if they’re sufficiently educated to care.”
He notes that museums, visualization and simulation applications truly benefit from solid state reliability, color, predictability. “At 5K lumens and above, which represents the bulk of the premium market, I think laser-phosphor is going to take market share because it can compete with the overall cost of ownership of existing lamp technology but with all of the benefits of solid-state. That’s where I think things are going to change.”
“It’s a new light source, it has its advantages, it has its problems but it’s not so much going to revolutionize projectors as make them viable for some time longer,” says Brennesholtz, who also sees laser-phosphor increasingly moving into the mainstream markets and replacing lamp-based systems in high-usage applications.
“Making laser-only projectors is more expensive than making hybrid projectors that allow the production of a more affordable mass-market projection product,” says Clark. “Pure laser achieves high brightness, but of course there’s the associated price tag that goes with that.”
To see a change, the market needs solid-state technology coming into corporate meeting rooms and education classrooms and replacing lamps and strengthening the projector proposition against flat panel solution, concludes Fisher. “It has the potential to do that but the supply chain and pricing are not there yet.”
This column was reprinted with permission from InfoComm International and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
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AMX: How to Achieve Harman-y
By Mark Coxon rAVe Blogger
I have seen a lot of discussion about the new acquisition of AMX by Harman.
Many have tried to say that because of the large consumer division of Harman, that AMX will be marginalized in the commercial space going forward. I’m quite certain that won’t be the case given that AMX has been placed in the ProAV products group with JBL Pro and Crown. JBL Pro has been expanding its line beyond their architectural loudspeakers for some time and now seem to have a rather competitive assortment of both small and large line arrays, pendant speakers, etc. Crown has also been a staple in the ProAV space for some time as well and I can’t count the number of jobs I surveyed from shopping malls, to houses of worship, to offices that were using Crown as the juice behind the distributed audio system.
The other detractors seem to focus on the fact that Harman is an audio-centric company and that AMX’s strengths are control and video. They question Harman’s experience in growing these two segments, especially in the commercial space. I would argue however that there is a difference in Harman’s experience in growing these segments and their ability to do so. I happen to think that Harman may be uniquely poised to take AMX to the next level, and to take some market share from the “The Tale of Two Trons”.
Harman’s unique advantage with AMX may lie in three other letters, AVB.
Let’s first remember that the V in AVB does stand for something, and that something is video. Harman has been very intimately involved in the AVB standard and its creation. Of course their main dog in the hunt has always been audio, but their knowledge of the standard may just be very advantageous considering this new acquisition.
AMX already has a line of Enova switchers, but to be fair, Crestron’s DM and Extron’s DTP/XTP products have subjugated Enova to a distant third for some time. Pushing Enova is necessary as that is what AMX has to sell currently, but I’m not sure that just leveraging a Harman centric dealer base and a having access to a massive marketing budget will be enough. It’s still a “me too” story in many respects.
However, if AMX could leverage Harman’s knowledge of AVB and then launch a series of products based around using existing enterprise level switching hardware that all changes…dramatically. Especially if you can then tie in network addressable amplifiers or even network addressable speakers with integrated amplifiers and AVB ports for distributed audio and emergency mass notification.
Crestron touted end to end 4k at InfoComm this year using their new 4k wire, which funnily enough, lost to Kramer for quality, in a cable challenge that Crestron themselves sponsored.
SVSi touts uncompressed 4k through enterprise grade switches with their video to IP converter boxes, as well as an audio partnership with QSC QSys and Global Cache for control.
But in this case, if Harman and AMX could pull it off, they could be the only ones doing end to end 4k with audio and control through the network switch. Now that may be a story worth telling, and perhaps a stone worthy of slinging at Goliath.
What do you think? Am I off base? Tell me I’m right or pick a fight (you won’t win ) in the comments below.Leave a Comment
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InfoComm 2014 — I Think We’ve Got It!
By David Danto Director Emerging Technologies, IMCCA
The InfoComm 2014 conference — the world’s largest communications expo — has come to a close — and after this year’s jaunt to Las Vegas, the world will never be the same.
Over the next few days I and countless others will be writing blogs, reviews and wrap-ups describing the details of what took place here. Amidst all of the displays and projectors, codecs and cameras and microphones and processors one point stands out. What we saw this year was an end-user revolution — and I’m as giddy about it as Professor Henry Higgins was when his Fair Lady finally figured out how to properly speak.
Our industry’s approach to conference rooms and collaboration sadly hadn’t changed in 30 years. We built custom, overcomplicated, expensive rooms and blamed end-users for not understanding them when they failed. We filled everyone’s heads with “speeds and feeds” using technobabble and buzzwords — H.264/H.265, 4K, HDMI, Pixel Density, ANSI Lumens, SIP, HD, and on and on. Only the bravest and brightest technologists would stay connected with this messaging and regrettably would typically have the same difficulties with passing it along. The result being that these vital technologies were rarely adopted or heavily utilized by their user base.
This year though we’ve most definitely turned a corner. At the Unified Communications Solution Summit — co-presented by InfoComm and The IMCCA — the attendees shot from last year’s mid-300s to over 1300 this week. Approximately 85 percent of them were serious end user representatives of their organizations wanting to learn how we could improve the collaboration experience. In those sessions and on the exhibit floor almost no one was talking about those dreaded speeds and feeds. It was all about the experience – how do we make the tools and solutions that work for real people, not how do we get people to understand how to use our industry’s arcane tools and processes.
It was a refreshing trend echoed by the industry leading firms that will be around for a while, and misunderstood by the many firms we saw here that are regrettably shrinking and dying (remember my blog “evolve or die”.) It couldn’t have been easier identifying the right partners and manufacturers to work with – just by looking at the exhibitor firms that are growing as opposed to the ones that are shrinking. The new clarity from end-users stating their needs is starkly simple and refreshing:
- Stop building custom solutions when we don’t need them
- Stop charging me for custom programming I really don’t need
- Stop treating my AV rooms like they are an island – they are part of my whole Unified Communications plan, and if you don’t understand how that works step aside so we can speak with those who do
- Help me choose solutions that my users will be happy with, not ones I have to teach them how to and convince them to use
- Stop telling me about how great the new technology is. If it was really great it would be invisible in the process of human communications.
- I’ve grown-up in this relationship with you Mr. AV guy. Change to meet my needs and stop asking me to change my user’s habits to meet your ancient, over-complicated and over-expensive business model.
We will look back at InfoComm 2014 as a turning point in our industry – when people started seeing the naked emperors for the first time, marking the beginning of the end of the AV world as it was and the birth of the user-experience-centric communications world of the future. It was great to see InfoComm firmly establishing itself as the venue to carry-forth this message for years to come.
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This article was written by David Danto and contains solely his own, personal opinions. David has over three decades of experience providing problem solving leadership and innovation in media and unified communications technologies for various firms in the corporate, broadcasting and academic worlds including AT&T, Bloomberg LP, FNN, Morgan Stanley, NYU, Lehman Brothers and JP Morgan Chase. He now works with Dimension Data as their Principal Consultant for the collaboration, multimedia, video and AV disciplines. He is also the IMCCA’s Director of Emerging Technology. David can be reached at David.Danto@Dimensiondata.com or DDanto@imcca.org and his full bio and other blogs and articles can be seen at Danto.info. Please reach-out to David if you would like to discuss how he can help your organization solve problems, develop a future-proof collaboration strategy for internal use, or if you would like his help developing solid, user-focused go-to-market strategies for your collaboration product or service.
All images and links provided above as reference under prevailing fair use statutes. Leave a Comment
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Atlas Sound Adds Two New Power Conditioners Atlas Sound has released two new power conditioners that expand its Atlas Power product category. The AP-S15HR and AP-S15RTHR are half width rack 15-amp power conditioners designed to protect critical rack mounted components from electrical surges and spikes.
The AP-S15HR is a half width rack power conditioner that features six total outlets, four-rear panel switched outlets, one-rear panel un-switched outlet, and one-front panel un-switched outlet. The unit includes circuit breaker protection at 15-amps, with a front panel mounted circuit breaker reset, radio frequency interference filtering, an Earth ground fault indicator. A removable IEC power cord allows the cord to be switched for a smaller or longer size based on need.
The AP-S15RTHR includes all of the features found in the AP-S15HR with additional benefits. The major difference is the Remote Activation circuitry. This Phoenix style connection enables the four-switched units to be remotely activated using a push button or key switch wall plate. Additionally, the AP-S15RTHR includes electromagnetic interference filtering and a 24VDC 2000mA DC output that could be used to power Atlas Time Saving Devices. Units can be mounted in a full width rack using a rack mount adapter available from Atlas Sound.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships DTP CrossPoint 84Extron is shipping the DTP CrossPoint 84 — a system in one box, including a 4K matrix switcher, two built-in independent scalers, integrated DTP and XTP signal extension, a mono or stereo amplifier, audio DSP capabilities and an advanced control processor that is expandable.
The DTP CrossPoint 84 is 4K-capable for managing both sources and displays. And, additional DTP twisted pair inputs and outputs provide flexibility in how and where AV and control need to be distributed. They can be used to connect to any display with an HDBaseT input, or tie into a centralized, facility-wide XTP System to add local room-based AV systems. A scaler is paired to each of the two DTP outputs, so that incoming source signals can be optimized to deliver the highest quality image content for display. The DTP CrossPoint 84 also includes Extron EDID Minder, Key Minder, and SpeedSwitch for easy integration of sources and displays.
The integrated audio DSP technology in the DTP CrossPoint 84 is based on the same Extron ProDSP technology in the DMP 128 and DMP 64 digital signal processors. Integrators can customize system designs and mixes any way desired, with fully configurable EQ, filters, dynamics, extensive matrix mixing options, and so much more. A unique digital audio expansion port links the internal DSP to a DMP 128 for additional inputs and outputs for supporting a large number of microphones or speaker destinations, or to add AEC to a conferencing system. The DTP CrossPoint 84 can also be linked into a DMP 128 on a Dante network for even greater system expansion possibilities. In addition to the built-in DSP, a built-in mono or stereo 100 watt amplifier is included, featuring the same Extron core technologies found in the ENERGY STAR qualified XTRA Series.
The DTP CrossPoint 84 features a built-in Extron IP Link Pro control processor — identical to the one in the IPCP Pro 350 control processor. The DTP CrossPoint 84 allows complete, customizable control of an entire AV system, including all source devices and displays, plus room functions.
Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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HARMAN’s Crown Debuts Its XLC Series Power Amplifiers Featuring DriveCore Technology at InfoComm 2014 HARMAN’s Crown Audio today announced the introduction of its XLC Series XLC2800 and XLC2500 Power Amplifiers, two cost-effective, two-channel models that offer a host of useful features for installed sound applications. The new amplifiers incorporate proprietary DriveCore technology for high efficiency with lighter weight.
The XLC2800 and XLC2500 can operate into impedances from 8 ohms to 2 ohms using stereo, parallel or bridged mono outputs. Although extremely powerful at 775 watts and 500 watts per channel respectively (at 4 ohms; 2400 watts and 1550 watt into 4 ohms in bridged mode), both amplifiers are lightweight and measure only 2U rack spaces high.
Both models feature HARMAN’s proprietary DriveCore amplifier IC chip, which combines the amplifier driver stage into the power output stage along with additional audio-signal functions — yet is about the size of a postage stamp.
Designed for easy installation, the XLC2800 and XLC2500 feature Power, Signal, Clip and Fault indicators and limited front panel control. The XLC series is contractor friendly with input/output connectors, and supports parallel connections to multiple speakers, an advantage in applications where available amplifier channels are limited. XLC Series amplifiers also feature rear-panel volume controls for each channel.
The Crown XLC Series XLC2800 and XLC2500 Power Amplifiers are available immediately and specs are here. Leave a Comment
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AMX Debuts Smaller Digital Switchers AMX’s new Solecis Switchers are digital switchers designed for small/huddle spaces. By integrating an AV switcher, a distance transport transmitter and control inputs that enable switching without the need for an external controller, Solecis addresses the needs of many meeting scenarios. Simple interface options including an AMX HydraPort toggle button or a Keypad. And they are easily mounted under conference room tables or in lecterns.
Solecis Digital Switchers were also designed to easily integrate into larger, more complex systems. All models include dual outputs; both an HDMI output for a local display, and an AMX DXLink distance transport output for a remote display. When integrated with an Enova DVX All-In-One Presentation Switcher or Enova DGX Digital Media Switcher, participants can collaborate using their local HDMI display and also present to a classroom display over the DXLink output.
Solecis is available in three models to support varying room requirements and device formats. The 5×1 Multi-Format Digital Switcher includes both HDMI and VGA inputs and is perfectly suited to accommodate long tables with AV connection points at either end. The 4×1 and 8×1 HDMI models are great choices where digital video formats are paramount. All Solecis Switchers are HDCP compliant and support AMX InstaGatePro technology for worry-free switching of copy protected sources. They also all include a multi-port Ethernet switch to easily distribute network connectivity at the table.
The 5×1 Multi-Format Solecis Digital Switchers are expected to ship in the U.S. in December 2014 and globally in March 2015. The 4×1 and 8×1 models will begin shipping in Q1 2015.
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Extron Announces First MediaLink Plus Controller Configured with GC Plus Extron’s new MLC Plus 84 D is a two-gang Ethernet controller is used for controlling common AV functions such as power, input switching, and volume. As part of the new MediaLink Plus Series, it is designed with more powerful features, enhanced security and Ethernet control. It has 11 backlit soft touch buttons and a variety of ports and inputs, including a remote volume control port for use with select Extron amplifiers. Power over Ethernet – PoE allows the controller to receive power and communications over a single Ethernet cable. It is ideal for use in single display applications or anywhere that centralized, pushbutton AV control is needed.
The MLC Plus 84 D is configured using Extron Global Configurator Plus or Global Configurator Professional software. It also integrates seamlessly with Extron’s award-winning GlobalViewer Enterprise software for complete AV resource monitoring, management, and control over a computer network.The MLC Plus 84 D mounts in a two-gang junction box, and includes a white Decora-style wall plate.
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HARMAN’s JBL Commercial Series Amplifiers and Mixers Now ShippingHARMAN’s JBL Commercial today announced its six Commercial Series Amplifiers (CSA) and two Commercial Series Mixers (CSM) are now shipping. All CSA products are ENERGY STAR certified.
The JBL Commercial power amplifiers and mixers now shipping include the following:
- CSA2120Z amplifier, 2 channels, 120-watt power output per channel
- CSA280Z amplifier, 2 channels, 80-watt power output per channel
- CSA240Z amplifier, 2 channels, 40-watt power output per channel
- CSA1120Z amplifier, 1 channel, 120-watt power output
- CSA180Z amplifier, 1 channel, 80-watt power output
- CSA140Z amplifier, 1 channel, 40-watt power output
- CSM-28 mixer, 8 inputs, 2 outputs
- CSM-14 mixer, 4 inputs, 1 output
The CSA amplifiers incorporate Crown’s proprietary DriveCore amplifier IC, which combines what would be hundreds of conventional parts into a single chip smaller than a dime. DriveCore offers significantly reduced power consumption, size and weight while delivering outstanding sound quality. All CSA amps are just 1U rack space high and a half-rack wide. All models can operate into 8 ohm and 4 ohm loads and can be used with 70V and 100V distributed audio systems without the need for a separate transformer.
JBL Commercial’s CSM mixers are designed for background music, paging, security, etc. Like the CSA amplifiers, the CSM models are simple to set up and use, with a minimum of front panel controls and illuminated rings around the knobs for easy visibility. All the mixers provide channel, master volume and independent bass and treble controls. All models feature priority muting, VOX ducking and mic phantom power and can be used with JBL’s CSR-V wall controller.
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Chief Releases New Plenum Rated Ceiling Storage Boxes Chief has redesigned above-ceiling boxes to help installers by eliminating common problems encountered on the job.
Installer feedback led Chief engineers to design a better storage box to remove the need for frustrating swing down doors that can get in the way during installation and servicing. The boxes include an industry-first drop-down feature that lowers the entire frame enough to slide the tile out of the way.
Designers also focused on maximizing the column location within a tile space for less reliance on digital adjustments and lens shift to the image.
Features include:
- 1×2 and 2×2 sizes
- Ship with all the speed connect hardware needed for installation
- Power can be added either in the box or facing the room
- A detachable power plate allows the electrician to pre-wire the area before box installation begins
- Passive cooling vents help with thermal management
- The boxes can hold 100 pounds (45.4 kg). That includes 50 pounds (22.7 kg) for the projector and up to 25 pounds (11.3 kg) per shelf. AV components can be loaded to the shelf before bringing it to the ceiling for further installation convenience.
The CMS491 and CMS492 above ceiling boxes can be ordered with or without a column drop. All boxes come with one shelf. Accessories to further customize the installation include another shelf and a 1RU rack rail. A fan kit for active thermal management will be available at a later date.
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AmpliVox Intros Duo Tandem Line Array Soundbar AmpliVox Sound Systems just introduced a new two-module configuration of its Line Array Soundbar system, a two-piece design of the Duo Tandem Line Array Soundbar. Presenters can both position the rack-mounted speaker module of the system to face the audience and also position the amplifier module with its controls at the presenter’s fingertips.
AmpliVox designed the Duo Tandem Line Array Soundbar to be fully integratable with multimedia presentation carts and lecterns and includes 50-watt sound amplification. The enclosed, rack-mounted system includes separate speaker and amp modules, with the speaker unit facing the audience and the amp’s control panel facing toward the presenter. This configuration makes it easy for the user to see and operate the amplifier’s controls during a presentation. The Duo Tandem Line Array Soundbar is available with AmpliVox’s 16 channel UHF wireless receiver, which aids in eliminating interference from competing frequencies.
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Kramer Intros Bidirectional Ethernet to Serial Conversion Boxes Kramer’s FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH are bidirectional hardware and software interface systems that enable control of RS232 and/or RS485 controllable machines via an Ethernet LAN. These products give installers the ability to implement simultaneous control over several AV devices (the number depends on exact model) spread throughout an installation by offering bidirectional Ethernet to serial conversion. Each product operates as a network server, which means they accept network connections, but do not initiate them.
All setup and maintenance of the FC devices are managed by built-in web pages, which are accessible through any common web browser. The FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH offer 1/2/4 (respectively) serial ports for AV device control with one of them being a RS-232/RS-485 dual-use serial port.
The FC-21ETH, FC-22ETH and FC-24ETH all support network connectivity, which allows users to connect a Kramer (or other) device via its RS-232 or RS-485 port to an Ethernet LAN. These products are also able to control up to three RS-232 devices and one RS-232/RS-485 device/s (FC model dependent) via Ethernet from a PC and can control a device from multiple Ethernet points (up to 40 PCs or remote controllers), via a LAN or the Internet. In addition, these products include Windows-based Virtual Port software for setting up virtual ports on a PC.
The FC-21ETH and FC-22ETH are in stock and list for $450 and $540, respectively. The FC-24ETH will be available by August.
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Extron Introduces Compact HDMI to HDMI ScalerExtron introduced this week the DSC HD-HD, a compact high performance, HDCP-compliant scaler that converts between HDMI resolutions and frame rates. It accepts video from 480i up to 1920×1200, 1080p and 2K, and offers high performance upscaling and downscaling with multiple output rates up to 1920×1200, including HDTV 1080p/60 and 2K. The DSC HD-HD features advanced Extron video signal processing with 1080i deinterlacing and Deep Color processing for optimal image quality. It includes features such as on-screen display, test patterns and EDID Minder. The compact form factor allows simple integration at a source, destination or in a distribution system.
The DSC HD-HD offers remote configuration and control via USB, as well as easily accessible on-screen menus that offer control over the unit’s functions and settings such as input and output video formats and resolutions.
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Middle Atlantic Launches New Credenzas Middle Atlantic Products is expanding its C5 Series Credenza offering to address the latest trends in commercial interior design. With new styles, furniture finishes and options that reflect current design trends, the C5 Series was enhanced to help AV integrators work with the architect and design community to better integrate technology in modern spaces.
The credenza’s Frame to Furniture design complements an integrator’s installation workflow with foundational frames that are in stock, guaranteeing quick delivery while allowing the integrator to immediately start the installation. The frame is paired with a custom furniture finishing kit that is manufactured to order and shipped separately to the jobsite.
Three new styles were designed to appeal to a range of design aesthetics. New finishes for the C5 Series include veneer and high-pressure laminate — all available in a spectrum of color choices. Vent finishes are now an option as well, in four different colors. The credenzas are engineered to ensure system reliability with built-in thermal management and cabling facilities and are available in 1, 2 and 3-bay configurations and two depths.
For technical specifications and in-depth information about the credenzas, go here. Leave a Comment
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Christie Intros All-New Velvet Indoor LED Tiles Christie is expanding its line of high brightness tiled displays with the introduction of the Christie Velvet line of built-to-order, high resolution indoor LED panels. Marketed as seamless to integrate and available in various pixel pitches, Christie’s LED tiles are aimed at indoor applications such as retail, casinos, museums, corporate lobbies and control room environments, where 24/7/365 reliability is required.
Depending on customers’ needs, Christie Velvet LED displays can be mounted in a variety of orientations, including curved, suspended from ceilings and structures or connected to each other to create a seamless array.
Christie Velvet features:
- Solutions configured according to needs
- Quick budgetary design and quote
- Trusted pre/post sales service and support
- Certified solid state illumination LEDs available in 1.875-millimeter, 2.5-millimeter, 3-millimeter and 4-millimeter pixel pitches
- 1,200 Hz refresh rate, 1,000 nits brightness
- Front serviceable design (3mm and 4mm models)
- Wide-viewing angles (1,600), darker blacks and exceptional high color fidelity
- Ability for end-user to create large seamless digital canvases
- High performance and 24/7/365 reliability
- Turnkey solution with Christie’s image processing and content management software
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CSI Intros Battery-Powered 3G/HD/SDI Fiber TransmitterCommunication Specialties (CSI) has launched a battery operated 3G/HD/SD-SDI fiber optic transmission system. The Fiberlink SDI Beamer can be powered externally or via an internal 9-volt battery – designed to be used as a batter-backup system for mission critical applications (for 5-hours).
CSI says the Fiberlink SDI Beamer supports 3G, HD and SD-SDI data rates per SMPTE specifications and is designed for broadcast or corporate studios, broadcasting in the field, OB vans, rental & staging, auditoriums, stadiums and theaters, airport or transportation hubs and it’s features include:
- Equalized transmitter input and re-clocked receiver output
- Supports 3G/HD/SD-SDI and DVB-ASI transmission
- SMPTE compliant electrical and optical inputs and outputs insures interoperability
- Support both multi-mode and single mode fibers
- ST optical connector with chain-attached ST dust cap
- Power supply options: internal 9 volt battery, external DC power, AC adapter
- Locking ring power connector
- Long 5-hour battery life
- Glitch-less battery backup when using external power source and internal 9-volt battery
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New InFocus Software Applications Are Designed to Simplify Collaboration from Tablets and PCs InFocus Corporation has launched two new applications: BigNote 1.2 interactive whiteboard software for PC and BigConnect PC video calling software. InFocus designed the applications to improve how people communicate ideas and capture information wherever they are located.
BigNote: BigNote 1.2 interactive whiteboard software, which runs on either a Windows 7 or 8 operating system, enables users to take notes, sketch, annotate and share work from their personal Windows device or InFocus BigTouch giant touch PC. The BigNote whiteboard has a similar feature set to the whiteboard built into the InFocus Mondopad with annotation tools designed to enhance visual collaboration.
BigNote includes digital pens, highlighters, shapes and lines in several colors and a whiteboard canvas that extends ten pages in any direction. Its Auto-Shape mode can recognize free-drawn lines and shapes and re-form them to be exact. The program also allows for annotation over any application and saving or e-mailing the screen as an image file.
BigConnect: With BigConnect software, a Windows PC becomes a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) video calling device that enables users to participate in video calls with other SIP endpoints, such as Mondopad and MVP100 Video Phone, as well as Skype and Microsoft Lync. BigConnect, which comes with one year of InFocus 121 Video Calling at no additional cost, can also make IP direct calls and register to an H.323 gatekeeper for use with other telepresence systems.
In addition to face-to-face video calling, BigConnect users can share their desktop or specific applications with remote parties. With Dual Stream capabilities users can share content and video concurrently. If desired, a BigConnect call participant can interact with his or her PC desktop while the full-screen video call is semi-transparent in the background — to facilitate multi-tasking.
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Extron CableCover Makes Conference Room Cable Management Easier Extron’s new CableCover is a durable, fitted bag that mounts below most Extron Cable Cubby, Cable Cubby Series/2 and TouchLink Cable Cubby enclosures. When installed, CableCover improves under-table cable management and aesthetics, minimizing cable tangles and preventing accidental disconnections. CableCover is 19″ (48 cm) deep, providing ample room for up to eight AV cables or three Extron Retractor Series cable retraction modules. Three pass-through openings at the top and bottom of the bag facilitate cable installation and connection with both surface- and floor-mounted AV products. CableCover is constructed of flame-retardant, black polyester fabric and includes a roll of self-adhesive, hook-and-loop tape for mounting to the enclosure.
CableCover is compatible with most Cable Cubby enclosures and can be retrofitted to existing installations. CableCover meets the California Bulletin 117 — Section E flammability standard for furniture-grade textiles.
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MPR System Brings Series Surge Protection to Vertical Power Strips Middle Atlantic has expanded its Modular Power Raceway system to include surge protection capabilities (series type surge protection) to all cascading modules in each circuit. A patent-pending technology, according to Middle Atlantic, Series Protection is the fastest-responding series type surge suppression currently available.
The Modular Power Raceway system allows integrators to configure their own ETL-listed vertical power solution using off-the-shelf parts. Integrators now have the option of incorporating reliable surge protection into their custom power design. When installed as the first circuit within the power strip, these modules will extend that series type surge protection to all connected units that follow. In addition, the module sits on top of raceway channel, which allows circuit wiring between modules and unimpeded connection to the termination.
The new MPR modules join the Middle Atlantic family of rackmount and RackLink power products leveraging Series Protection technology. Modules are available in 15- or 20-amp configurations with outlet options being controlled or on when connected.
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Extron Introduces DTP Twisted Pair Extenders for DisplayPortExtron’s new DTP DP 230 and DTP DP 330 are transmitter and receiver sets for transmission of DisplayPort, audio and bidirectional RS232 and IR signals over a shielded CATx shielded twisted pair cable. The DTP DP 230 extends signals up to 230 feet (70 meters), while the DTP DP 330 extends signals up to 330 feet (100 meters). Both DTP DP models are specifically designed to incorporate higher resolution DisplayPort (Mac computers, etc) with embedded audio into Extron DTP Systems. They support computer-video to 2560×1600, 1080p/60 Deep Color and 4K resolutions. The DTP DP 230 and DTP DP 330 also accept analog stereo audio signals for simultaneous transmission over the same shielded twisted pair cable. The compact enclosure size and remote power capability make the DTP DP models ideal for discreet placement in lecterns, beneath tables, behind flat-panel displays, or wherever needed to meet application requirements.
The DTP DP 230 and DTP DP 330 streamline integration by supporting bidirectional RS-232 and IR pass-through for AV device control at remote locations. And, a single external power supply can be used to remotely power the transmitter or receiver over the twisted pair cable. DTP DP receiver models support Type 2 dual-mode DisplayPort, which allows source signals to be sent to a 4K-capable HDMI or DVI device with an appropriate adapter. DTP DP transmitter models offer an HDBaseT output mode that provides the additional integration convenience of a twisted pair output that can send video and embedded audio, plus bidirectional control signals to any HDBaseT-enabled display.
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DVDO Launches Tiny 4K Scaler DVDO’s new iScan Mini is a compact SD (480p) and Full HD (1080p) to 4K scaler. Integrated with Silicon Image’s VRS ClearView technology, the iScan Mini includes noise reduction, edge and detail enhancement (sharpness control) and a useless side-by-side comparison mode of “before and after” video to showcase the power of iScan Mini.
Packaged in a small form-factor, the iScan Mini can be placed behind an existing AVR or even wall-mounted TV and it lists for only $299. Inputs and outputs include HDMI (video) and S/PDIF (audio), it’s included with EDID editing, IR control and 4:2:0 adaptive scaling.
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Control4 Launches New Hospitality Focused Control System Control4 Hospitality OS 2.5.3 adds support for the company’s Wireless Music Bridge, which allows guests to stream music from their smartphones, tablets, or other portable devices via Bluetooth. Wireless Music Bridge gives listeners access to their private music libraries as well as streaming music from services like Pandora, Spotify, and Rdio. This seamless solution does not require a physical dock and preserves the full browsing and app capabilities of the mobile device. Guests just walk in the door, pull out their phone or tablet, and fire up their favorite playlist; the Control4 Wireless Music Bridge allows nearly every smart device to bridge music, podcasts, news, sports and audio books into the hotel room’s audio system.
To ensure privacy and security for hotel guests, the system dynamically creates a unique access code upon check-in, which is only valid for the duration of their stay.
In addition, the new software update adds support for Telkonet’s EcoCentral energy management software including EcoInsight and EcoWave thermostats.
Control4 is also introducing a new streamlined version of its thermostat control for hospitality, which allows guests to enter a single temperature set point instead of separate set points for heating and cooling, making it even easier to control room temperature.
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Lab.gruppen Adds D Series At InfoComm, Lab.gruppen introduced the D Series, its new flagship install-dedicated four-channel DSP amplifier platform. The D Series platform is available in two versions — one featuring Lake, the other featuring Tesira by Biamp Systems — each offering unique capabilities and advantages. The Lake variant offers Lake Processing DSP with analog, AES and a Dual-redundant Dante network solution, supported by the development of new custom software to provide extensive integration potential with most key systems manufacturers. The Tesira variant of D Series is a new collaboration between Lab.gruppen and Biamp Systems, resulting in dedicated models equipped with Tesira DSP and AVB audio and control. Both versions are available in three power configurations (8,000 watts, 12,000 watts and 20,000 watts total power output).
With the D Series, Lab.gruppen has also debuted its Rational Power Management (RPM) technology. Unlike other amplifiers where ‘flexibility’ often involves compromise (eg. reducing channel count or reducing the total power), the company says that RPM allows flexible power allocation across all channels to ensure the most efficient and rational use of total amplifier inventory. With RPM, 5,000 watts can be output on any single channel, leaving remaining power available to be allocated to other channels.
The D-Series is expected to ship mid-summer. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Casio Intros Lamp-Free Projectors Aimed at Hospitality Market Casio America has a new lineup of Signature projectors aimed at the hospitality industry. All of them include Casio’s LASER & LED HYBRID Light Source, which combines a laser, fluorescent element and LEDs to generate light (it’s 5th generation), lasting an estimated 20,000 hours.
Weighing in at 8.6 pounds, the new Signature projectors offer a variety of features including remote operation capable through Crestron Roomview, Intelligent Brightness Control, wired LAN projection and MobiShow. The projectors are 3D capable have three types of video and audio inputs, as well as HDMI, RGB and RS232C terminals.
Equipped with 2 GB of built-in memory, the new LampFree Signature projectors allow many file formats, such as PDF and QuickTime, to be stored in the projector for laptop-less playback. They can also display content from a PC by connecting the projector and PC through a USB cable, as well as a variety of languages — 10 new in main (total 23) and eight new in USB (total 18) including Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Finnish, Turkish and Portuguese.
These projectors will list for $919.99 and ship in July. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
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To send me feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas, Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
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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