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Volume 6, Issue 11 — November 6, 2012
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Digging Up Jimmy Hoffa Well, after last month’s column, I received a lot of email and even a number of telephone calls from old acquaintances. It tells you a lot about the issue that the calls accused me both of being pro- and anti-union.
Please let me disappoint both groups to say that I am neither. I am a pragmatist.
For the first 10 years of my career, I worked for and ran small audiovisual companies. As is usual in small business, we often bit off more than we could actually chew, and we all wore a lot of hats. Shows often involved first loading the trucks, then driving them to another city, then unloading them, then setting up a show, operating it, striking it, loading it up again and driving it home. I often joke that this is where I picked up my 12-cups-a-day coffee habit.
But we were very young.
It is those kind of circumstances in which we developed our opinion of union venues. Not only did they charge what we considered outrageous rates for help, they insisted on much larger numbers of personnel than we would have. Not only that, but they insisted on specialists for various positions. And, worst of all, they wouldn’t let us work. So we attempted to work around them. And, for the times, we were not an unusual company. So this is also where the venue unions developed their opinion of the audiovisual suppliers.
Now, to be fair to those of us in the audiovisual industry, it was a time of great technological change, and there were times that the unions were not keeping up. We were moving rapidly into video and video projection, and most of the locals had little experience in the technology. This meant that we were often charged for operators who couldn’t operate. Nothing was more frustrating than having to stand over the shoulder of someone who had never seen the inside of the projector, but was our union projectionist. If any of you have ever tried converging an analog video projector that had over three dozen potentiometers inside it by instructing someone who had never seen them, you know what I mean. So we developed a negative, if one sided, opinion of most of the union locals.
But later in my career I moved up to operating a couple of companies that did large touring shows. Suddenly, the unions were my friend.
Why?
Well, to start with, the shows went into trucks that were too large for us to drive. This meant that we could not cram all of our own personnel into the trucks, and would have had to fly them to the show. So, suddenly, the expense of using union labor was actually a savings. Plus, this enabled us to extend the use of our own personnel and do more shows.
Around the same time, the unions were catching up in technology. In fact, one of the things that changed my opinion about using union labor was that our local, and then several others, invited me in to teach their people video projection and multi-camera setups. This allowed me to get to know a number of the union operators, and gave me a good evaluation of their skill sets.
As with any group of people, getting to know some of them might change your opinion. It was during this time in my career that I became aware of the value of working with the venue unions, rather than against them. So let me give you a few of the value propositions of a well-organized union local in a venue:
- The Local is local. Nothing is more helpful than having crew members who know the area, its suppliers, its hardware and electronics stores, and even its up-and-coming garage bands. When it’s 3 a.m., and you need five more wireless microphones by 6 a.m., nothing beats local techs.
- They’re at home in “their” house. All facilities have their “gotchas.” Nothing can cost as much time and effort as not knowing them — and they are usually things the facility management or salespeople don’t know, don’t care about or try to hide. That circuit is no good. This mic jack is intermittent. The local fire marshall won’t come in until late, and always goes nuts about cable ramps. That dock has a bad leveler — and on and on.
- These folks do shows. Every single day. And that counts for a lot. While they may indeed not be totally up on your particular models of equipment, they will be used to taking instruction. And, if you let them, they can contribute ideas and experience to improve your overall show.
- Safety first. Yes, some union rules regarding the length of shifts, rest and meal breaks, and numbers of personnel can be restricting. But those rules, mostly, are there to improve safety. I used to say “nobody gets killed in AV” but I was wrong. In the last few years, we have regretfully seen it happen. I never want to see it happen on one of my shows, and if the rules help prevent me, or my client, from “pushing it,” then I’m glad.
Is it all positive? Of course not. As with any group of people, there are good ones and bad ones, qualified hands and pretenders, cooperative techs — and difficult ones. But, as my first warehouse manager was so fond of saying, “this is this.”
If you’re going to be in the staging business, you learn to make the most of the “hands” you are dealt.
rAVe Rental [and Staging] contributor Joel R. Rollins, CTS, is general manager of Everett Hall Associates, Inc. and is well known throughout the professional AV industry for his contributions to industry training and his extensive background in AV rental, staging and installation. Joel can be reached at joelrollins@mac.com
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Sennheiser Offers 30-Day Trial of Tourguide 2020 System Sennheiser announced a limited time 30-day free trial of its Tourguide 2020 system, which is the company's first digital RF wireless tour guide system in the ISM band. It offers digital RF wireless transmission and six channels in the license-free ISM frequency band.
Following completion of the online form, a Sennheiser representative will arrange shipment of a demo system to the requested facility and provide set up guidance.
At InfoComm, we used the Listen Technologies LS-13 (a 30-person portable FM tour guide system) and we LOVED it. So, if you're not sure what to do, go with the Listen product as we can vouch for that one!
If you want to check out the Sennheiser system, click here to get the free demo: http://www.sennheiserusa.com/tourguidetrial
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Atlas A-Line Ships ELI, ELIJAH and EMMA Line Array Speaker Systems Atlas A-Line Acoustics is shipping both the ELI and ELIJAH line array speaker systems, originally debuted at the InfoComm 2012 show.
Atlas says the ELI portable line array system is designed to provide even, high-powered coverage in small to mid-size rooms for acoustic performance or speech applications. This portable line array system consists an EL1503-B full range line array that uses a design consisting of fifteen 3" drivers and a 10" enclosure. The ELIJAH portable line array system consists an EJ2003-B full range line array that utilizes a design consisting of twenty 3" drivers and a 15" subwoofer enclosure.
The EMMA system is a three-way speaker system designed for use in speech and music reproduction applications for medium to large venues like houses of worship, theaters and concert halls. The system consists of two parts: the EM806A-B, which includes eight 6.5" high frequency ribbon drivers and eight 6.5" low/mid frequency drivers, and the EM410A-B, which includes four 10" subwoofers. Each unit is powered by an integrated class D amplifier with pre-configured DSP.
Here are all the specs: http://www.al4.me/
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Share Article Back to Top Atomos Ships HDMI to HD-SDI and HD-SDI to HDMI Converters Atomos is now shipping its tiny Connect H2S and Connect S2H Converters. Built for convenience, the Connect Converters are lightweight and include 3:2/2:2 pulldown removal, an integrated test pattern generator and audio test-tones. There's even a built-in flashlight for use in dark locations, which is cool.
The Connect H2S converts from HDMI to HD-SDI and the Connect S2H converts HD-SDI to HDMI. The Test Pattern Generator has multiple patterns, in both SD and HD, the latter including 1080p50 and 60 — true 3G modes. The Connect Converters are both priced at $349.
Here are all the detailed specs: http://www.atomos.com/connect/
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AV Stumpfl Updates Wings Engine Media Servers and Wings Vioso Software, Adds Network Control AV Stumpfl is releasing updates to its Wings Engine media servers as well as its Wings Vioso software in November.
The new Wings Engine media servers offer a shock-proof cases with professional Neutrik connectors and an integrated 8.9" touch display. They have up to four DVI outputs, two DVI and two HDSDI inputs, plus two symmetrical audio outputs.
Also updated, the Wings Vioso offers a selection of editing and compositing tools for the preparation of the show. There is no restriction either on the number of tracks, on the resolution or regarding the video codec. Even high resolution image sequences can be edited and played back.
Multidisplay presentations with several computers can be programmed comfortably in advance as the content is automatically distributed in master/slave mode to the appropriate server after the network has been established.
In addition to manual tools for projector warping, it is also possible to resort to the integrated Vioso tool. It takes over the geometric adjustment and the alignment of soft edge masks fully automatically using a camera-based calibration. AV Stumpfl says this shortens the configuration time considerably and allows more time for the programming itself. The new track faders and live players provide even more flexibility during the show. With these track-related tools, object parameters can be adjusted during the show or videos can even be added and played directly from the WindowsExplorer.
AV Stumpfl has also added a network control protocol, called Avio, which takes over control and distribution of all the signals. By linking Wings Vioso to other Wings AV components on a network, it offers an extensive array of options to integrate interactivity. Just about every device can be visualized in the Avio Manager and linked to other network nodes via drag and drop. The characteristics of each node can be selected, changed and monitored via a browser window. Access to all components via the browser is also possible using mobile devices such as mobile phones or tablets. Even devices like Kinect, joysticks or Wii Controller can be used for parameter control using this protocol. Additional signals like DMX, RS232 or relay contacts can be made available in the Avio Manger via IOboxes.
For more information, click here: http://www.avstumpfl.com
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Share Article Back to Top Vutec Debuts New Projector Lift Aimed at Rental and Staging Market The new Vutec Retracta-Vu Traveller Projector Lift is an all in-one solution, designed for the rental and staging market, providing projector set-up with no assembly. The company says you simply roll the lift into place, connect to a power outlet and deploy it up to 10’ high. Basically, it's a self contained scissor lift system that will raise the projector to up to 10' high using an electric lift and tilt system that allows for easier alignment of the projector to the screen. When lowered, it's all self-contained in a single case that's only 60" x 31.75".
Here are all the details: http://www.vutec.com/retracta-vu-pro-traveller-lift/item/retracta-vu-traveller-projector-lift.html
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AmpliVox Unveils Compact Mity Box Speaker AmpliVox's newest addition is the Mity Box speaker system, a portable system measuring just 10.5x7x6.5” (LxWxD). The speaker can be easily connected to presentation carts or wall mounted with the included brackets. It can be ordered as a passive speaker or outfitted as an amplified speaker with wired or wireless 16-channel microphones. Built-in audio ports on the amplified models make it easy to plug in any external audio source such as an iPod/MP3 or CD player. Separate volume controls adjust the output levels for microphones and audio sources.
Here are all the details: http://www.ampli.com/pa-speakers/1230-Mity-Box.aspx
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Share Article Back to Top projectiondesign Ships X-Port projectiondesign is now shipping X-Port, a small module-based extension input that enables connectivity to and from current and future video formats for all projectiondesign projectors. X-Port plugs into the back of the projector and is currently available as two modules, a DCC120 Dual Channel Combiner and a 3G-SDI interface.
The DCC120 works as an image processor and frame rate converter, and can transform discrete passive 3D stereo to active, as well as frame convert any input signal or combination of signals to sequential 120Hz, essential for many applications with fast moving objects or 3D stereo visualization.
The 3G-SDI interface is compatible with both high-bandwidth 3G SDI, as well as standard SDI for cable lengths up to 300 meters. The 3G-SDI can be combined with the DCC120 to enable active stereo 3G-SDI for many high-end applications.
Future connectivity adds HDMI 1.4a with all its benefits, as well as other emerging formats and technologies.
To see all the specs, click here: http://www.projectiondesign.com/products/x-port-modules
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3M Announces Collaboration with Mersive Aimed at Creating a New Class of Displays Last week, 3M New Ventures (3M’s corporate venture unit) and Mersive announced a strategic development and equity agreement that will bring a new class of displays that foster visual collaboration to a broad range of customers.
“Advances in graphics processing technology are resulting in the creation of more pixels than ever before. However, viewing more pixels in the form of visual data is often constrained by either inadequate display systems or the high cost and complexity of currently available systems,” said Rob Balgley, CEO, Mersive. “Coupling our software with 3M projection and display technology will transform how visual data is used to creatively collaborate, interact, and make decisions.”
Central to the strategic development agreement are Mersive’s two software products: Sol software automatically aligns multiple projectors into one seamless image of extraordinary quality and resolution without the expense of specialized hardware and services; and Solstice software, a new media sharing and display management software, transforms how displays fit into IT infrastructure. Solstice enables multiple users with diverse devices, to access wirelessly any display in real time.
“Combining Mersive software with 3M’s projection and display technology, will produce affordable, easy-to-install, high quality display systems that foster interaction, facilitate decision making and cultivate creativity,” said Stefan Gabriel, president of 3M New Ventures. “As part of this agreement, 3M and Mersive will closely collaborate to develop projection and display systems that achieve higher levels of performance and ease of use than products currently on the market.”
3M New Ventures, headquartered in Munich, Germany, identifies and invests in highly innovative companies and disruptive new technologies with strategic relevance for 3M.
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Share Article Back to Top Vutec Ships Retractable Screen Aimed at High-End Portable Applications Vutec's new Retracta-Vu Pro Traveller includes a motorized rising screen that raises out of a rolling shipping case. Users roll the case into place, plug it in, flip the switch and the screen rises. The unique thing here is the plethora of screen sizes available (4:3, 16:9 or 2.35:1) from 100" diagonal all the way up to 283" diagonal. The case is a typical staging case with casters so you can roll the screen where you want it. It's also durable enough to be staging stock.
Here are all the specs: http://www.vutec.com/products/motorized-screens/non-maskings/retracta-vu-pro-traveller/item/retracta-vu-pro-traveller.html
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Share Article Back to Top New Behringer Loudspeakers Include Integrated Wireless Mic Receiver and MP3 Player Behringer is now shipping its EUROLIVE B115D and B115MP3 active two-way loudspeakers, which feature an integrated, dual-channel mixer with two-band EQ, built-in sound processor and 1,000 Watts of Class-D bi-amplification. Fast and easy to setup, the unique enclosure design allows the loudspeakers to be pole-mounted, stacked or placed horizontally for floor monitor wedge applications. A dedicated USB-style 3.0 input provides seamless integration with Behringer's new upcoming ULTRALINK Series wireless microphones.
B115D and B115MP3 both include a 15" long-excursion LF driver and a 1.35" aluminum-diaphragm compression driver. The B115MP3 includes an embedded MP3 player, featuring an eight-button user interface and LCD panel that allows the user to browse tracks and select shuffle, repeat or single-play modes. Both models include an integrated Behringer-compatible wireless mic receiver. They are covered by Behringer's three-year warranty and weigh only 38.9 pounds (17.7 kilograms) each.
Here are all the specs: http://www.behringer.com/EN/Category/Loudspeakers-and-Studio-Monitors.aspx?s=B200
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe Rental [and Staging] 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). Don't like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below. 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 GreenAV 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 To read more about my background, our team and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top Copyright 2012 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln., Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: sara@ravepubs.com
rAVe Rental [and Staging] contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
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