Volume 6, Issue 10 — October 9, 2013
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Class Capture: Finding What Works for You
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
Several years ago I wrote a blog about class capture, and the expense of the systems that existed. I was frustrated that these systems cost so much money. I had been trying to bring class capture into my institution for a couple of years, and could not justify the cost. The systems that we looked at were fantastic, would integrate with the AV in our rooms and had a well-developed server and web infrastructure. Yet, that integration is what drove the price so high. Even more of a downer was that the high ticket-price was typically only for a handful of rooms. One of my favorite products would have sold to us for about $100,000 for five rooms. In addition, the five-room setup was the starting package. There was no ability to simply setup a single room and begin experimentation.
Part of what drove the class capture market in the early stages was monetary incentives for schools. As we were being courted by some of the big name vendors, they would put us in touch with other institutions that had used the product. Unfortunately, for us, the schools they put us in touch with were very large state schools, which had uses for the systems that would not apply at a small, private college.
Several of these universities were installing class capture in their large auditorium classrooms, that sat 250 students, or more. They would then BOOK the class for 500 students. The professor would tell the class that half of them were to attend the class on Tuesday, the other half would attend the class on Thursday. It is really quite a brilliant move. You put five hundred students through an introductory course at the cost of 250. Students could not really complain about a lack of face-time with their professor because, after all, how much were they going to get anyway, with 250 people in the class? They still had their break-out sessions with the TAs and had the advantage of reviewing every class online. These schools would argue that in some ways these students were getting an advantage with this system. Clearly, these schools were making back that 100K investment on day one.
At Bates College, we were not close to this model. We are a “high touch” school that rarely has a class over 60 students. In fact, our largest classroom holds about 100 students. Our faculty and students value the personal connection between faculty and students.
In turn, we could not justify the cost of the system based only on monetary return. We needed to justify the cost based on improvements in the education our students received, and that needed to start at a reasonably low entry fee.
Back to my blog of several years ago: I could not understand why a system would cost so much money. After all, we are talking about a hard drive recorder that has a camera input and a source input. There were a couple of software implementations that ran on the local computer, and one of those was even free. I was not a big fan of these because they slowed the computer down if someone was doing a presentation, and would be lost if the computer crashed. In most cases, they also required a Webcam on the computer, which placed the faculty member directly behind the computer for the entire class.
Finally, a couple of years ago Crestron came out with the Capture HD system. The appeal of this system for us was not its technology, which as I mentioned previously is pretty basic. The appeal was the cost, and the fact that you could start with a single unit, and without a whole backend system. We installed a couple of these in our rooms, along with microphones and Vaddio cameras. For about $7,000 per room, we were able to start experimenting with class capture.
Immediately in the first year, we knew we were on to something. In the first room we installed the system in, we had two members of the faculty start using it. The second year, we were able to grow the system into three additional classrooms. This is when we began to see things start to take on a life of its own. Faculty would see the cameras in the room and ask about them. Surprisingly to us, they were not concerned about privacy issues — they wanted to know how they could use the technology. We started out this school year (our second year with the technology) with three faculty members planning to use the system. Three weeks into the school year, we have had inquiries from seven additional faculty members who want to start using it.
We put our installers and programmers into high gear to get set up for these teachers, and were successfully able to serve the needs of each.
We have also learned quite a bit about what drives class capture in the small, private liberal arts college. There is a small possibility of some return on investment. On occasion we have students with learning differences, for whom taking notes during class would severely distract them from the discussion that is happening. Our Dean of Students’ office would provide these students with note takers so they could focus on the in-class discussion. By recording the class, we saved some money by not needing to hire note-takers, but more importantly, in many cases the students get a better result. They are able to review the class session, and take their own notes, in their own styles, rather than depending on someone else’s notes.
We have also seen a faculty member record short modules outside of class. A member of our math department will go into a room and solve a problem from the textbook on the board while being recorded. It is a great example for a student who is trying to work through those problems as homework, or to prepare for a quiz. This faculty member in two weeks has developed eight of these modules, which she can use over and over again in the future. Again, it’s not a money-maker, but an amazing resource for our students.
We had another faculty member start recording portions of her class due to a student-athlete who had received a concussion. The student still made it to class, but had some memory and focus issues. By recording the class and providing it to this particular student, his/her education was not impacted as severely as it would have otherwise been.
Finally, our best feedback has come from the faculty member who was our initial user of class capture. She actually records her entire class and makes it available to all her students. She reports that she has seen no decrease in the students who attend class (even though it is an 8 a.m. class) and that she has heard more positive feedback from students about this technology than anything she has done in her teaching career. That is pretty powerful information.
Next month, I will write about some of the customization that we have done with our systems to make this a very easy process for our faculty. I’ll also share about some of the lessons we have learned and talk about how to build a system that uses a back-end without the enormous outlay of cash.
The takeaway for this month, whether you are a tech manager or an integrator is about finding the fit that is right for your, or your customer. In the end, the people trying to sell me that big expensive system really did not know Bates College (the customer) very well. If they did, they would have backed off on pushing this system on us, because they would have realized it did not really make sense for us. A really good integrator will be a partner with an institution on matters like this. In this partnership, the integrator may not put in the system that will make them the most money, and the customer will realize that they are not going to get all the benefits of the high cost system. Together though, they will grow and develop a trust, and a system, that will be both financially rewarding for the integrator, along with providing educational value to the customer.
What are your stories and experiences with class capture? What are creative ways you have used it, or interesting installs you have completed? Let me know; I look forward to hearing from you. Leave a Comment
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Optoma Launches New Install Line Optoma this week launched ProScene, a new brand name that basically puts all its high-output, high-resolution projectors for install under one product family.
The ProScene line will comprise all of Optoma’s current and recently announced Install projectors. This includes all models with brightness levels ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 ANSI lumens: the EH7700, TH7500-NL, TW865-NL, TW865-NLW, EH505, W505, EH501, W501 and X501. Also falling under the ProScene designation line will be the company’s HQView line of imaging processors used in blending and creating other effects. More ProScene introductions are expected in 2014.
Optoma says that ProScene projectors will also be supported by a new comprehensive customer support program that will include dedicated ProScene sales managers and field application engineers who will work with dealers and integrators directly — not via distribution.
Go here to learn more. Leave a Comment
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Stampede Debuts CENTRO 8 for DemoPadStampede Presentation Products just unveiled the new CENTRO 8 control processor for the DemoPad control system. The IP-based DemoPad sends control signals to Wi-Fi but can also control devices that are not IP enabled, which installers can integrate through alternative methods such as IR or RS232 with affordable IP gateways of the new CENTRO 8.
The CENTRO 8 is basically a control processor (19″ rack mount) with two way communication that features 16 individually addressable IR ports. Using an HD-BaseT Matrix with IR pass through, integrators can simply use jack to jack leads (supplied) from the first eight IR ports into the corresponding IR ports on the matrix. Then at the balun end, a jack to IR bud completes the control loop to enable IR control from iOS and Android devices in each zone, with no additional hardware required. The remaining eight IR ports on the CENTRO 8 are typically used in conjunction with the four RS232 ports to control source equipment located in the rack.
The DemoPad custom design software enables integrators to create a completely customized interface and then it gets uploaded and paired to a DemoPad end-user app, which is purchased through the Apple store or Android Play market, allowing integrators to easily create bespoke systems for each customer and then upload complete control solutions to as many smartphones or tablets as required. It monitors connected devices and listens to requests from Apple iOS and selected Android hand held devices. It provides feedback as to current status of all connected devices (subject to device compatibility) and can receive and store scheduled requests for a variety of tasks including lighting dusk until dawn controls, access control and security arm / disarm, to more simple ‘turn TV on’ at a set time.
The CENTRO 8 has a built in web server and can store a local copy of the DemoPad project for retrieval or upload to a new device.
System specifications include:
- Control processor with 4GB internal program memory
- External 12v Power Supply
- 2x USB general purpose connector ports
- 1x RJ45 LAN 10/100 Ethernet port
- 1x HDMI output 1 x Stereo audio out jack
- 4x Bi-Directional RS232 communication ports
- 8x Digital Input ports (volt free operation)
- 4x Low Voltage <30v Relay outputs
- 16x Infra Red output ports (individually addressable)
- Built in HTTP/HTTPS web server and timers for scheduling
For more information about DemoPad, click here. Leave a Comment
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rAVe Scoop: Almo to Distribute Epson ProAV LineThis morning, rAVe Founder Gary Kayye, recorded a special edition of his Daily Rants and rAVes and we got a big scoop!
It appears that Almo ProAV is about to announce that it’s the first ProAV distributor to distribute the entire Epson projection line, including the Epson BrightLink line. The details are in this video (below) at the 7-minute mark, however, I think you should consider watching the entire video as it also summarizes both the fall Almo Pro A/V E4 AV Tour and a new partnership we have that will bring the keynote and the luncheon experts panel to anyone, everywhere!
How? Well, we’re going to stream it, LIVE via HD (H.264) so that you can watch it using any browser to watch it. All you have to do is go to www.ravepubs.com/e4 at noon EST on Fri., October 18th and you’ll be able to watch the keynote LIVE on any smart phone, tablet or computer.
So, here’s the complete video interview from this morning between Almo’s VP of Marketing, Melody Craigmyle and Gary Kayye.
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Epson Adds New Projectors Aimed at K-12Epson has introduced two new projector series of projectors aimed at the K-12 market. The Epson PowerLite S17, X17 and W17 are SVGA, XGA and WXGA resolutions, respectively. They have HDMI connectivity and also allow for wireless content using the free Epson iProjection app.
The Epson PowerLite 97, 98, 99W, 955W and 965 are all XGA or WXGA resolution projectors that include network content connectivity via RJ-45 as well as HDMI connectivity. Where they differ from the 17 Series is that Epson has incorporated moderator software into these projectors, which allows teachers to present up to four different device screens to the class, enabling collaboration (BYOD-capable). Administrators can also manage up to 1,024 Epson networked projectors using the included EasyMP software or Crestron RoomView management systems.
Both lines are 3LCD projectors that include +/-30 degree automatic vertical and manual horizontal keystone correction, can remotely deliver video and audio presentations over the network with the included EasyMP Network Projection software, have 6,000-hour lamps and are part of the Epson Brighter Futures program.
Here’s a look at the detailed specs for each model:
Get more information about the projectors here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Intros XTP Transmitters Specifically for Floor Boxes Extron’s new XTP T FB 202 is a two-input XTP transmitter in a unique form factor designed for floor boxes commonly used in European AV installations, rAVe Europe reported this week.
The XTP T FB 202 can be conveniently mounted into a variety of floor boxes from OBO Bettermann, MK by Honeywell, Electraplan and PUK. This XTP transmitter sends HDMI or RGBHV video, audio, control and Ethernet up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single CATx cable.
It is HDCP-compliant and supports computer-video up to 1920×1200, including HDTV 1080p/60 Deep Color and 2K. The XTP T FB 202 features automatic switching between inputs with selectable prioritization, and can be powered over the same CATx cable. The XTP T FB 202 is designed for use in XTP Systems for signal distribution and long-distance transmission between remote endpoints.
The XTP T FB 202 includes enhanced audio and control capabilities. It can transmit HDMI with its embedded audio, or alternatively, embed audio from a separate analog stereo input prior to transmission. The XTP T FB 202 also allows Ethernet extension and insertion of bidirectional RS232 and IR for LAN access and AV device control at remote locations.
To further simplify integration with HDMI-equipped devices, this XTP transmitter features two Extron technologies. EDID Minder ensures continuous EDID communication between devices. For transmission of HDMI signals with protected content, Key Minder authenticates and maintains HDCP encryption to provide quick and reliable transmission across the XTP System infrastructure.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Aurora Intros Second Generation DXM Matrix Switchers with HDBaseT Aurora’s second generation Digital Xtreme Matrix (DXM) switchers with HDBaseT CAT I/O cards offering 1080p 60Hz transmission over single CAT cable up to 600 feet. Three card cage sizes for up to 32 discrete channels of Input and output. Aurora claims it has auto EDID learning and management.
The DXM-G2 also offers flexible RS232 signal routing via HDBaseT I/O Cards to individual outputs or to all outputs simultaneously for unprecedented display control. With a full assortment of Input cards no format is left behind with crystal clear digital conversion to 1920×1080 60Hz.
Features:
- Units configurable 4-channels per card
- HDBaseT CAT Input / Output Cards (up to 600ft over Single CAT Cable)
- VGA Input / Output Cards
- 3G/HD/SD SDI Input / Output Cards
- HDMI Input / Output Cards (Output Cards w/Audio De-embedding & Auto DVI Detect)
- HDBaseT Powers remote Tx/Rx units over CAT Cable w/Flexible RS232 Control routing
- DVI Fiber Input / Output Cards (up to 2km Single Mode)
- YPbPr Input Cards
- RS232 Control and Optional LAN Control
- Field Serviceable with Hot-Swappable I/O cards and Optional Redundant Power Supplies
- Available in 8×8 (DXM-88-G2), 16×16 (DXM-1616-G2), and 32×32 (DXM-3232-G2) configurations (I/O cards sold separately)
Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Atlas Sound Ships Half-Rack Width Racks Atlas Sound’s new WMA-HR series are American-made equipment racks and cabinets that are all half-rack width. Available in both 12RU and 16RU configurations, these models are designed to be used in installations where space is a premium. The unique fold forward design allows the equipment to be accessed even if the rack is installed directly against a wall or other obstruction. The unit is shipped in two parts, the rack itself and the wall mount back box. This allows the integrator to send the back box directly to the job site for installation allowing them to load the rack offsite until it is ready for installation, protecting the installed equipment. Additionally, the compact size and reusable packing materials allow the unit to be contractor shipped to the install site via FedEx or UPS.
Atlas Sound also offers an array of rack accessories including fan panels, blank panels, shelves and doors that work with either model in the Series as well as equipment mounting options for Time Saving Devices, wall plates and AA Series amplifiers. A vertical rack mount kit is also available that allows for vertical installation of full width rack product in half width rack.
Full specs are here. Leave a Comment
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rAVe to LIVE Stream Almo ProAV E4 AV Tour in Two Weeks
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
I am excited to announce that we will be streaming LIVE (in HD) both my Kayye’s Krystal Ball Keynote as well as the Tech Expert Brain Freeze Panel (sponsored by NEC Display) during both of the fall Almo ProAV E4 AV Tours; in Irvine, Calif. on Fri., Oct. 18th and in Seacaucus, NJ on Wed., Nov. 13th.
For four years now, I have been honored to deliver the Almo E4 AV Tour keynote and, for four years, we’ve been asked to make it available to people who couldn’t make one of the four tour stops annually.
Certainly, if you’re going to be in the Irvine area on October 18th, you should attend the event live; however, if you’re anywhere else in the world and would like to watch me deliver the keynote at the Almo E4 AV Tour LIVE, all you need to do is open a browser and link to http://go.almoproav.com/e4live — and we’re going to stream it live in HD (H.264 format) for FREE!
Here’s what my keynote is all about:
For 12 years, my Krystal Ball has been one of the most-read annual columns by AV integrators, consultants and manufacturers. Covering the future trends in each technology and product sector, I’ve been able to predict what the future held for projectors, flat panels, VTC, digital signage, signal routing and a plethora of other segments of the market with nearly 90 percent accuracy — proven by simply reviewing his predictions each year.
Kayye’s Krystal Ball will debut as a live keynote at the ALMO E4 Shows. I will not only tell you what will happen in each market category of the next 12 months, but I’ll also look forward and tell you what will happen with everything you market and sell over the next two to three years, too. And, I’ll do it product by product — technology by technology. So, you’ll be able to design all your systems and specify all your products to be future-proof. I promise!
I hope you’ll join me – either live (you can see the entire agenda here.) or watch my live stream here: www.ravepubs.com/e4 starting at Noon, EST, on Friday, October 18th.
Oh, and if you want to see what the Almo E4 AV Tour is all about, watch this special (Almost Daily) Rants and rAVe Video interview I did today with Almo VP of Marketing Melody Craigmyle. Leave a Comment
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Kramer Intros HDBaseT Lite Transmitter and Receiver Kramer’s TP-580T and TP-580R are a transmitter and receiver, respectively, using HDBaseT Lite technology to send HDMI with embedded audio, bi-directional RS232 and IR over distances of up to 230 feet (70 meters). For resolutions above 1080p60 and up to 4K, they can transmit up to 131 feet (40 meters), according to Kramer.
The TP-580T and TP-580R support HDCP, 3D Pass-through, Deep Color, x.v.Color, CEC, Lip Sync, HDMI Uncompressed Audio Channels, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. They are each housed in a compact Kramer Tool enclosure and powered by the supplied 12v adapter.
So far, Epson and Panasonic (and soon Mitsubishi and InFocus) have direct HDBaseT inputs. You can get all the specs here. Leave a Comment
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Elo Touch Solutions Debuts Line Pre-Packaged Touch Solutions Elo Touch Solutions (Elo) announced this week a new line called ‘Elo @ The Office,’ with all products aimed at providing pre-packaged solutions for common building display applications. The bundles combine Elo’s 42-inch to 70-inch all-in-one touch computing hardware with software to enable cloud-based collaboration, digital whiteboard, building directory and virtual receptionist applications. Elo @ The Office partners include Cisco WebEx, Citrix GoToMeeting, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Lync, Microsoft Skype, ReadyTalk and other future cloud-based applications such as QlikView and salesforce.com.
The line is divided up into four main categories of products:
- Elo Corporate Collaboration Solution: A 70-inch touch screen with integrated Intel Core i5 computer running Microsoft Windows that mounts less than 4 inches from the wall and requires only AC power and a network connection.
- Elo Digital Whiteboard Solution: Elo’s 70-inch touch screen integrated with Hitachi StarBoard software.
- Elo Directory Solution: Elo’s 55-inch touch screen integrated with JibeStream NovoTouch software (wayfinding software). The NovoTouch interface allows for directory listing templates and 3D maps to build way finding applications quickly.
- Elo Virtual Receptionist Solution: Elo’s 42-inch touch screen integrated with WinTech’s ALICE receptionist software (allows employees to communicate with visitors in the lobby from their desks using face-to-face video or audio-only conversations). Guests are automatically greeted and told how to use the interactive directory without losing the personal touch of human customer service.
Elo @ The Office solutions will all start shipping within 30 days. Here are all the specifics. Leave a Comment
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Barco Adds Android App and Microsoft Office Support for ClickShareBarco has extended BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) support for its ClickShare product with the release of a new Android app. The app extends ClickShare support for mobile devices beyond Apple’s iOS – the iOS app debuted in the Spring.
With ClickShare, Barco’s wireless meeting room collaboration system, users can present their content on the main meeting room screen with just the click of a button. Now users of Android phones and tablets can also enjoy the ClickShare experience with the new ClickShare mobile app for Android. The app provides a virtual button allowing users to show documents, pictures and screen shots in the ClickShare composition. As Android is now one of the most widely used platforms for smart devices in the world, this hugely expands the applicability of ClickShare.
The ClickShare iOS app has also been updated and is now compatible with Microsoft Office documents, as well as JPEG images and PDF documents. The ClickShare Android App is available to download free from the Google Play store now.
You can see the entire product line here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Scaling Receiver for XTP Systems Ships Extron has announced the immediate availability of the XTP SR HDMI, an HDCP-compliant scaling receiver that accepts HDMI, DVI, RGB, HD component video and standard definition video signals from XTP devices. The receiver provides selectable output rates up to 1920×1200, including HDTV 1080p/60 and 2K, to scale the video to the optimal output resolution for the display. In addition to high performance video, it accepts audio, bidirectional RS232 and IR, and Ethernet for transmission up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single CATx cable. It also offers integrator-friendly features such as Key Minder, EDID Minder, picture controls, on-screen menus, audio controls and internal test patterns.
The XTP SR HDMI provides signal distribution for HDMI embedded audio or audio de-embedding with multi-channel S/PDIF or two-channel balanced/unbalanced analog stereo and PCM audio. It also allows Ethernet extension and insertion of bidirectional RS232 and IR for LAN access and AV device control at remote locations. EDID Minder ensures continuous EDID communication between devices. For transmission of HDMI signals with protected content, Key Minder authenticates and maintains HDCP encryption to provide quick and reliable transmission across the XTP System infrastructure.
For more information on the XTP SR HDMI, click here. Leave a Comment
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Stealth Acoustics Debuts SA2400 Amplifier with Built-in DSP at CEDIAStealth Acoustics will debut the SA2400 at CEDIA in Denver at the end of the month. The SA2400 is a dual-channel amplifier with built-in DSP. Rated at over 450 watts RMS per channel, the SA2400 utilizes Stealth’s Class A/B output stage coupled to a traditional high-current power supply. It also uses the Stealth Signal Management System (SSMS) that allows for complete per-channel programming of DSP features, including 11 bands of fully parametric EQ; high / low pass filters with variable slopes; fully programmable limiters; delay and phase controls. All SSMS functions may be programmed from the front panel, or by using Stealth’s free SSMS software via USB connection to the amplifier. The SSMS includes loadable pre-set optimization tunings for many of Stealth invisible and environmental speakers. Or, dealers may create and store their own favouite tunings for easy recall.
Inputs include balanced XLR, un-balanced RCA and speaker level connections, all of which have associated pass-through connectors as well as an optical audio input.
The complete specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Tecom Intros New Prime LecternThe Prime lectern by Tecom is aimed at the entry-level market — Tecom says the TPP-11W is the lowest cost podium it’s ever designed. Integrated with AV control, HDMI and VGA signal routing, a 19″ touch-screen, microphone, DVD player, speakers and shelves for additional AV gear, the Prime is meant to be used in classrooms and auditoriums in K-12 and higher-education facilities.
Complete specs are here. Leave a Comment
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InFocus Adds Two Ultra Short Throw Projectors InFocus has released two new ultra short throw projectors in the form of the IN134UST and IN136UST, which are both 3D capable. The IN136UST WXGA (1280×768) projector can project a 100-inch image at up to 3,300 ANSI lumens from a distance of only 16.6 inches and the IN134UST is capable of projecting XGA (1024×768) video at up to 2,800 lumens onto an 85-inch surface from a distance of just 16.4 inches.
Both projectors have VGA and HDMI inputs (HDCP), are DLP-based and claim to have a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. While running in Eco Mode, the ultra short throw projectors reduce power consumption and extend lamp life to up to 8,000 hours.
Full specs of the IN134UST are here and the IN136UST can be found here. Leave a Comment
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Dukane Announces Rugged iPad CaseDukane has launched an iPad case (185-1SP) that’s aimed at the education market — it uses a silicone skin cover wrapped around a hard plastic inner design. This two-component cover system wraps around your iPad, ensuring it’s protected from bumps, dust, and scratches. The silicone outer cover features cutouts for your screen, audio port, speakers, power button and charge port. List price is $49.
Details are here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Announces New Compact Six Input Media Presentation Switcher Extron’s new MPS 601 is a compact (half-rack width) six-input, one-output media presentation switcher for digital and analog sources. It offers four HDCP-compliant HDMI inputs and two RGB video inputs with analog stereo audio. RGB video and analog audio are digitized and switched through the HDMI output. The MPS 601 also features Extron EDID Minder, which maintains continuous EDID communication between connected devices and Key Minder, which continuously authenticates and maintains HDCP encryption between input and output devices to ensure quick switching.
The MPS 601 offers integrator-friendly features, including cable equalization on each HDMI input, automatic color bit depth management, indicators for monitoring and troubleshooting, as well as peripheral device powering. Multiple control options including front panel, RS232, contact closure and auto-input switching also help streamline integration into various environments. Housed in a 1U half-rack width metal enclosure, the compact MPS 601 can be rack-mounted, installed in a lectern, or mounted under a table.
Full specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Planar Intros Cost-Effective Digital Signage Displays Planar Systems introduced this month the Planar Simplicity Series line of large format LCD displays, which the company says is its most affordable digital signage display option yet, with prices starting at $595. The series combine a slim, professional design with content playback capabilities and a full range of commercial features. They also offer built-in media playing, eliminating the need for a separate media player, as well as USB playback with scheduling, LAN and mobile device content distribution, built-in speakers and a Kensington security slot. The displays are ideal for use in retail stores, restaurants, medical offices, corporate meeting areas, museums and hospitality settings.
The Simplicity Series is designed for digital signage applications in either landscape or portrait orientation, with no distracting logo or uneven side bezel, which can look awkward, especially in portrait orientation. At a depth of less than 1.7”, Planar Simplicity Series displays are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The media playing capabilities of the Planar Simplicity Series support playback of a variety of formats including video, audio and images. Inputs and external controls include HDMI, VGA, DVI, Component Video, RS232, Ethernet (RJ-45) and IR Remote Control.
The Planar Simplicity Series is available now in 32” and 42” sizes through Planar dealers. Additional sizes will be available in early 2014. For additional information, click here. Leave a Comment
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TouchSystems Introduces a New 40-Inch Multi-Touch Screen TouchSystems latest introduction is the X 40, 40″ LED-lit LCD (1080p) that’s 1.7″ deep, features a slim bezel and offers six touch points. It features commercial-grade components, using the NEC 401S monitor. The X 40 is part of TouchSystems’ executive line of displays, meaning that it features multiple connectivity options designed to ease installation and maintenance of content, an LED-backlit screen for month-after-month reduced energy consumption and subsequent cost savings and built-in speakers. The touch screen is equipped with a carbon footprint meter, a scheduler and internal temperature sensors with self-diagnosis tools and fans all of which are purposed to improve performance and decrease costs. Brightness is specified at 500cd/m2 and contrast ratio is 3500:1.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Tripp-Lite Adds Surge Suppressor with Two USB Ports and ClampsTripp-Lite has expanded its line of surge protection products with the introduction of the new TLP606DMUSB Protect It! Surge Suppressor — a new economical surge suppressor that features built-in clamps that attach to the sides of desks, workbenches and tables for better accessibility to outlets. It also has two USB ports for charging and powering portable devices.
Key Features and Benefits:
• Six outlets, including two widely spaced to accommodate bulky transformers
• Two USB charging ports capable of delivering 2.1 amps of power to charge smartphones, tablets and MP3 players
• Heavy-duty protection with a 2100-joule surge suppression rating
• Two built-in clamps secure the unit to workbenches, desks and tables tightly enough to prevent the weight of connected cords from detaching the unit from the surface
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FSR’s DR-SOCK Provides Help for Pulling Cables
FSR’s new DR-SOCK is a creative cable-pulling tool designed to simplify and accelerate every installation requiring cables and connectors.
The DR-SOCK is pre-assembled, easily accessible in frustration-proof packaging and re-useable. It protects cables and connectors from being damaged by taking the stress off the connection points while pulling through a conduit. The design opens up to 1.25 inches, and features brightly colored sleeve tips to enable easy identification and a steel ring to allow quick and positive attachment of a pull snake. DR-SOCK can be used to safely pull FSR’s new Digital Ribbon Cables as well as others with connector shells.
Here are the details: http://www.fsrinc.com/products/dr-sock.htm Leave a Comment
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Clary Icon Adds 40-Inch Display Clary Icon, manufacturer of the OneScreen system that’s aimed at SMART Technologies’ users as well as those of the InFocus MondoPad, announced today that it is now offering OneScreen in a 40” screen size. OneScreen is basically an HD video, audio and web conferencing system with a multi-touch interactive screen.
OneScreen is interoperable and built on open architecture without any proprietary restraints (although it is Windows-based). Users can add applications and work in a familiar Windows desktop environment while communicating and collaborating through their choice of UC tools. It’s designed to allow people to initiate a video, audio or web conference, share and annotate ideas on a 40″ LCD using Hitachi StarBoard software.
The package includes:
- 40” touch screen LCD monitor
- Mini desktop computer with Windows 7 Pro
- HD PTZ camera
- Wireless keyboard
- Wireless pen tablet
- Interactive whiteboard software
- Video conferencing client
- Softphone
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Extron Ships VN-Matrix Codec for 3G-SDI Over IP Extron has just started shipping the VNC 325 3G-SDI — a VN-Matrix series codec that streams SDI, HD-SDI or 3G-SDI video and embedded audio over standard IP networks. The VNC 325 transports low latency, production-quality SD or HD video with embedded audio. Two channels of audio can be streamed with video in low bandwidth applications or up to 16 audio channels can be streamed in ancillary — ANC data blocks of four channels. Form factor improvements from the VN-Matrix 300 Series make it compatible with Extron rack mount accessories.
The VNC 325 uses the PURE3 codec, which provides an unmatched combination of bit rate efficiency, low latency, visually lossless image quality and a high immunity to network errors. It preserves a high image quality and keeps latency to a minimum without the need for Forward Error Correction, which increases bandwidth and encoding delay. Common applications include transport of camera video across a campus, production collaboration and studio to studio media exchange. With its very low encode and decode latency of just 35 ms each, the VNC 325 is also excellent in applications that must support bidirectional communication or remote device control.
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