Volume 6, Issue 12 — December 18, 2013
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Wireless Video: The Apple TV Reprise
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
One year ago I wrote my first column for rAVe Publications. What a fun year it has been. I have been fortunate enough to have heard from dozens of people with feedback, comments and questions about my articles. Even my daughter got in on the fun a few months back. We had a conversation that went something like this:
“Dad are you writing that geeky tech article?” “Yes, Maddy, I am.” “They haven’t gotten bored of you and fired you yet?” “No, Maddy, they have not.” “Oh. They will.”
Ahh, gotta love that teenage wit and sensitivity. Well, unless I am another Milton Waddams, rAVe has not fired me yet. But, just to be sure, someone send me a Tweet and let me know you actually saw this article show up somewhere.
In my first column, I wrote about Apple TV and the magic of how it just seemed to work. After a year of experimenting with it and other technologies, I come back to this topic with some more observations.
My first observation is about technology in general, but I will relate it specifically to wireless in this instance. For any technology to really grab hold and catch people’s interest it has to truly be a game changer. I think for a while this is why I avoided wireless. It did not really provide any REAL game changing moments for our classrooms. Sure, in the most odd installation, it may prevent me from having to core drill or jack hammer a floor. But, in the end that just made my life a little easier, without any impact on the end user.
How did Apple TV impact the user? Well, in a classroom setting very clearly. It allows a faculty member to move around a classroom with their device and instruct the class from where they want, rather than just from behind the podium. More importantly, it allows anyone in that class (with an iDevice) to display their content. This makes for much more fluid collaboration in a classroom. This device actually changed what we did with our teaching.
Then, this past summer Crestron released its AirMedia device. This device has a very similar end result, although technically it gets there in a much different way. The AirMedia will allow you to stream content from your laptop through to your display device. The small caveat is that you need to download a piece of software. Crestron did about as good of a job on this as it could. The software is a single executable that does not need to be installed, only downloaded and run, so there should be very little to no troubleshooting required. Also, Crestron avoids the infamous “chattiness” of the Apple TV by not publicizing itself to the entire network. Instead, when the device is displayed on your screen, it shows you an IP address to enter into your browser. That page downloads and runs the executable. This type of setup is destined to make your network administrators much happier. The biggest drawback of the AirMedia device is that Apple does not license video streaming via AirPlay, so your iDevices can not mirror to the AirMedia. Crestron makes a rather clunky attempt at suggesting you just keep taking pictures of what you want to mirror and show that. Really? But, like the Apple TV, AirMedia adds value and changes what you can do.
Now, let’s get back to the Apple TV and the major drawback of it. We have all heard that the Apple TV is too chatty and “not routable” therefore it can not function on our corporate networks. Well, I sat down with our network administrator Greg McLauglin and got to the bottom of that. Because it was designed to work in your home, and have absolutely no configuration, Greg explained to me that Apple uses technology it calls Bonjour to communicate via AirPlay. Bonjour is simply Apple’s name for multicast DNS, also known as NConf. Devices running AirPlay are constantly communicating on the network and telling each other that they are available, and what their capabilities are. Each device keeps a little database of all the other devices on the network. Therefore, when it is time to connect, everybody knows everybody. This causes a lot of network traffic. On your home network, with five or six devices, who cares? On a school or corporate network, with hundreds of devices, it is a big deal. So, these networks are often designed by default to stop multicast DNS from crossing any routers. If you have a large network with multiple buildings, you will have routers, and your network administrator will be blocking the traffic from crossing that router (and rightfully so).
Apple has no incentive to try and change this. This was designed for home use, and it is truly simple to use in your home. So, we look to third party vendors to solve this problem. Greg explained to me that our network equipment manufacturer, Aruba, has developed a product called ClearPass. This product sits in between your routers and manages the databases for all your Bonjour traffic. So, when a iPad on one VLAN wants to connect to an Apple TV on another VLAN, this product knows about both and gives them direct access to one another.
We are still faced with one problem: iOS devices can only manage a list of about 30 other devices. Desktop or laptops can handle about 60 devices. The full set of devices you may have on your campus could be well over that number. So it is possible that sitting in a classroom, you might not even see the Apple TV in that classroom, because it did not make the list of 30 your iPad could see. Aruba is working on this issue with a product called AirGroup. This product allows you to manage, categorize and group your devices. You can selectively show them to your users based on access level or location.
The development of these products show how the market continues to change. If during this column you double checked that you were reading rAVe and not Network World, then you are starting to realize these changes. Can an AV sales person be just that anymore? No. Dealers either need to have in house IT support, or partner up with an IT company. You simply can’t sell these solutions without knowing both sides of the business.
We have come a long way with wireless video from a year ago. Of course, the technical aspects of it amaze and interest me. However, the USES of it are what I really love to see. I love to work with and see technology that really changes how we work, and teach. What are your thoughts? Send me an email or a tweet. I look forward to hearing from you. Leave a Comment
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HDBaseT: A Standard-Less Standard
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
I’ve been a fan since the first time I heard about and read the so-called HDBaseT standard. Here’s a system that’s spec’d to send video, audio, control, Ethernet and power (marketed by the HDBaseT Alliance as “5Play”) over a Cat5e or Cat6 cable.
Perfect, huh?
It is, when it’s done right — and that isn’t often.
And, you’re all about to see how and why as you start to integrate more and more HDBaseT products from everyone from Crestron to Gefen to AMX, to Atlona to Kramer to Extron. Oh, and did I mention Sony and Panasonic and LG and Samsung and Epson?
More than 100 manufacturers of AV gear — both consumer and professional — have signed up to build HDBaseT capable products to make integration life easier (yeah, right).
Here’s the problem:
HDBaseT is simply awesome. But, truth is, the HDBaseT Alliance itself isn’t monitoring compatibility or performance at all. Not one single bit. In fact, the so-called 5Play doesn’t even have to be 5Play at all. For example, the get a product HDBaseT “approved” you only really have to do 2Play (video and audio) — I don’t even see 2Play on the Alliance’s website. Why? There’s no such thing.
Assuming all you care to send down the wire is video and audio (and assuming the manufacturer built its product well — remember, there is no performance measurement verification by the HDBaseT Alliance such that in order to be compatible with the standard), then you’ll be fine in MOST applications. But, need to send RS232, IR, IP control, Ethernet or Power across HDBaseT — good luck with that!
Well, many, many manufacturers don’t do 5Play — in fact, from what I can tell in talking to and looking at over 100 product specifications over the past week, most of them only do video, audio and IR. Most don’t do IP control, RS232 and nearly none of them do power.
Speaking of power, that’s another crap-load of problems. You see, the HDBaseT “standard” allows for what it calls PoH (Power over HDBaseT) and it’s even based on the popular, but actually measurable standard known as PoE – Power-over-Ethernet. But, PoH includes two different classes of products — one that supplies power and one that sends it — think HDBaseT transmitter and receiver applications. Logical, right? Wrong! In fact, you can buy an HDBaseT transmitter and receiver from MOST of the companies that make them and they neither will supply power to the other — it’s illogical. You see, those transmitters and receivers are assuming you’ll use something like an HDBaseT matrix switcher in the middle that’s expected to supply power too. So, if you do use a transmitter/receiver, you’ll need to plug them both into power. That’s stupid.
The HDBaseT Alliance website specifically touts 5Play as capable of delivering video (and now even 4K video with so-called “standard 2.0”) up to 100 meters over a single Cat5e/6 cable. It goes on to say that 5Play supports audio (and HDMI-quality audio too, 100 Mbps Ethernet, control that includes IR, USB, RS232, CEC and IR as well as IP control and up to 100 watts of power). Bullshit.
This may very well be the “standard” and is promoted as such on the HDBaseT website, but, truth is, that’s not what MOST products that are branded or marketed as HDBaseT products do. MOST ONLY DO VIDEO AND AUDIO. And, some of them can’t even go 100 meters and who knows at what performance. Remember, there is no performance validation at all.
This is massively messed up!
So, I asked the HDBaseT Alliance to justify this messed-up-ness and here’s the response from Micha Risling, marketing chair (yes, the response came from a marketing person, NOT a technical person) of the HDBaseT Alliance:
“The term 5Play defines a rich feature set enabled by the HDBaseT technology, and that does not imply that all HDBaseT-enabled products must support the full HDBaseT 5Play capabilities, (Ethernet, controls and power in addition to video and audio). The HDBaseT Alliance does not force manufacturers to do so because that does not make sense for all projects. Not all installations require power or Ethernet, so all five capabilities may not be effective in terms of design or price.”
What, What? Seriously? So, they’re admitting that a manufacturer can pick and choose what parts of the “standard” they choose to use — but, not requiring them to put that in their own specs?
Risling continued with: “We are aware that this may create confusion. That is why the compliant products list on the HDBaseT Alliance website states the product capabilities clearly. The features column in the table indicates which of the 5Play features are supported by the product, and were implemented and tested according to HDBaseT specification. This guarantees inter-vendor interoperability of these features. We encourage all installers and system integrators planning an HDBaseT installation to refer to this product list on the HDBaseT Alliance website before going into the field. There are approximately 50 certified products to date, and this number is continuously growing. For the exact reasons specified in your article, the Alliance does not take the testing and certification procedure lightly. It is a time-consuming process that must be followed until most HDBaseT enabled products in the market are HDBaseT certified. We will continue to work alongside the installers to encourage vendors to have all their products certified and ensure that all relevant information is accessible to the installers.”
So, I commend the HDBaseT Alliance for strictly testing each product before listing them on the Alliance’s website, BUT… this TOTALLY proves my point that this is a standard in flux and needs to be FIXED before moving forward. In fact, if you read this last statement from Risling carefully, basically it suggests that the 50 products listed on the website are the only ones you, as an integrator, should be using as the others that claim to be HDBaseT not only haven’t been tested, but the Alliance itself doesn’t seem to care that they are branding the HDBaseT logo — tested or not.
This just isn’t a good solution. There are well over 400 industry products claiming to be HDBaseT capable from some 50 so so manufacturers. Yet, the Alliance has only “approved” 50 of them — all the while allowing the other 350 or so still carry the HDBaseT badge having not been tested?
And, you, as an integrator or systems designer, are about to figure this all out in the field with a pissed-off customer when you start to integrate it and it sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. This needs to be FIXED now!
I respectfully request that the HDBaseT Alliance stop this charade IMMEDIATELY and fix this. And, it’s not a tough thing to fix. Just re-brand the whole 5Play concept into one that includes 4Play, 3Play, 2Play, etc. And, demand that the manufacturers specify which “Play” they are playing into – right, clearly, on the product specifications sheet.
And, for those of you who think you shouldn’t care about this, think again. You WILL get burned. For example, Panasonic has an HDBaseT input on its projector. And, it accepts 5Play — in other words, that company’s doing it right. It’s called DIGITAL LINK (Panasonic is shying away from using HDBaseT because it doesn’t want people to think they can plug any HDBaseT transmitted signal into its projector). Why? This is smart for Panasonic because, as you can see from all I’ve written so far, there are a range of inconsistencies in the implementation of the so-called 5Play standard and, let’s face it, as a manufacturer, would you take the chance that one of the non-standard HDBaseT labeled products wouldn’t damage the projector if, for example, power was not implemented right in the design of the product?
Because of all this, they (Panasonic) actually has a “compatibility” list to its HDBaseT input.
It’s really good to look at as it calls out many of the above mentioned signal routing companies and what their “version” of their 5Play products supports. For example, did you know that Crestron’s DMPS doesn’t send RS232? Neither does AMX’s DVX series. Most of Gefen’s products don’t appear to do RS232, IP control or power across its HDBaseT line.
Here’s another example of how poorly the HDBaseT “standard” is being managed by the HDBaseT Alliance: Atlona — (I picked them only because they are at the top of the alphabet in the listing of HDBaseT adopters). Look at the HDBaseT website of “approved” Atlona HDBaseT products. (I’ve included a screen capture from earlier this afternoon — Nov. 20 — in case this page ends up being altered). Note that Atlona has two “CERTIFIED” HDBaseT products per the Alliance’s own website. Now, go to Atlona’s website and look. I count 22. Which is it, two or 22? (And this is not to pick on Atlona specifically — I assure you these inconsistencies are all over the place with dozens of manufacturers.)
Also, go check out the Atlona AT-HDCAT-8 (a product not listed as approved by the HDBaseT Alliance but listed by Atlona as an HDBaseT product in its own product description and specifications — here’s a screen shot of Atlona’s site). Want to see massive confusion? Remember, the HDBaseT standard for sending power over HDBaseT is PoH. Well, here in this product spec sheet, Atlona lists under the section “Power of One for All” that this product, “feature of Power over Category cable (PoCc) the HDCAT transmits power to all the connected receivers over category cable.” What the heck? What is Power over Category Cable? Google it — nothing. So, is this the HDBaseT “standard” way of sending power over CatX cable or a new and better way that Atlona’s come up with?
Doesn’t matter, really, as if they don’t work together, it’s pointless as you, the integrator and system designer wiil clearly have to deal with this one IN THE FIELD during install when one HDBaseT piece of gear holds up the entire system from working as it’s not one of the plethora of “standards” that exist around HDBaseT.
I could go on and on. This is a ProAV disaster waiting to happen. Can any of you afford to spend hours, days or weeks trying to figure out why one HDBaseT product isn’t working with another?
I don’t think so!
So, sign this petition to ask the HDBaseT Alliance to do the right thing by enforcing its own “standard” or splitting it into four different ones. Or, ask the Alliance to FIX THIS NOW, before the IT folks swoop in and take over since we’ve messed something else up by reinventing the wheel or adopting a flawless standard.
And, to you, the HDBaseT Alliance, shame on you — shame, shame, on you! Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces New TeamWork Collaboration System for Digital and Analog SourcesExtron’s new TeamWork 601 supports up to four digital laptops or tablets, and two legacy analog computer-video and audio sources. Analog signals are digitized so that they can be switched to the display, along with native HDMI signals, on a single HDMI cable. TeamWork 601 works with most flat panel displays, laptops and tablets. It also works with virtually any new or existing furniture system. Optional mounting hardware facilitates different collaboration table or work surface designs. Extron TeamWork is a fully customizable collaboration system that is ideal for corporate and education applications. Pre-configured packages, including the TeamWork 601, TeamWork 600 and TeamWork 400 are available for fast implementation with minimal setup.
The TeamWork system is designed for simple operation with minimal training as users simply connect their laptop or tablet to a TeamWork “Show Me” cable to start the system, then press the “Share” button to show their content on the presentation display. When done, users disconnect and walk away, and the TeamWork system automatically turns itself off and is ready for the next collaboration session. The TeamWork collaboration system is HDCP compliant and supports full resolution, full frame rate digital video up to 1080p/60 and analog computer-video up to 1920×1200. The TeamWork 601 system is complete and ready for installation, and includes four HDMI and two VGA “Show Me” cables, a switcher, a system controller, a Cable Cubby enclosure and other necessary system cables.
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Middle Atlantic Brings Under Table Rack Mount to Meeting SpacesMiddle Atlantic Products’ newest offering is in the form of an under-table rack mount called TechPed. Designed to provide discrete equipment mounting in huddle rooms, conference rooms and other collaboration spaces, the TechPed incorporates the company’s Frame to Furniture design. The inner steel rack frame ships directly from stock, allowing integrators to begin the integration of the system immediately, even before all the other gear arrives. The outer surfaces are shipped separately to the installation site or shop and can be quickly and easily attached to the core structure to cover the metal and complete the installation.
Middle Atlantic says that maintenance is simpler as TechPed’s side panels are removable and include the patent-pending Lever Lock tool-free internal management system, which maximizes rack space and cable management options within the side channel of the pedestal.
TechPed is available in three sizes and a wide range of standard color choices. Also available is a custom millwork kit option that provides detailed shop drawings for a woodworker to create a customized look for the TechPed.
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Visix Ships RoomBoardVisix is now shipping its RoomBoard, which the company describes as a one-stop touchscreen wayfinding solution that shows space availability, maps event listings to rooms and integrates with MeetingMinder interactive room signs.
Features include:
- Combines digital signage, interactive wayfinding and schedules
- Shows number of available rooms at top
- Available rooms show in green and busy room are red
- Supports two-way booking from Visix’s own RoomBoard or MeetingMinders
- Integrate with your EMS or Exchange directory
- Custom map with directional paths for up to 25 rooms
- ADA-compliant controls included
- Customized the design with your logo, colors and map
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Extron Introduces New SoundField Wide Coverage Two-Way Ceiling SpeakersExtron’s new SoundField SF 26X is a two-way ceiling speaker featuring an open back and coaxial dual driver design for use in non-plenum airspace environments. The driver includes a 6.5″ (16.5 cm) woofer coupled to a 3/4″ (1.9 cm) ferrofluid-cooled dome tweeter. The SF 26X provides a frequency range of 50 Hz to 20 kHz and a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, and Extron says is engineered with a wide, uniform 110° conical coverage and uncolored off-axis response. The SF 26X features a thin-edged bezel for a refined appearance on the ceiling, and a magnetically attached grille.
The polypropylene woofer is specifically designed for infinite baffle environments, and extends the frequency range down to 50 Hz. The pivoting dome tweeter allows aiming of the mid and high frequencies for best area coverage and proper imaging. The SF 26X is designed for 8 ohm direct connection to power amplifiers, and provides a simple means to wire speakers in parallel for 4 ohm amplifier operation. It features a power rating of 25 watts continuous pink noise and 50 watts continuous program capacity.
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Kramer Intros VP-460 Presentation Scaler/SwitcherKramer’s new VP-460 is a three-input and two-output switcher/scaler that outputs up to 2K resolution. The VP-460 supports HDMI and HDCP, as well as HDMI Deep Color. It also includes EDID management and an option for selectable power saving modes. Other features include picture-in-picture functions, luma-keying, picture zooming, RS232 and IR control.
The VP-460 lists for $2,190 and all the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Matrox Drivers Now Support 3M Multi-Touch Displays Matrox Graphics 3M Touch Systems announced that both companies have validated a new 3M touch driver that will support multi-touch functionality across two, three or more 3M multi-touch Displays powered by a variety of Matrox multi-monitor products. Integrators can now pair Matrox products with 3M multi-touch Displays to create interactive digital signage and collaborative video walls that span multiple displays, without the need for touch overlays or licensing fees. Applications include interactive kiosks, wayfinding, retail and exhibit display walls, as well as collaborative multi-panel classroom, boardroom and command and control installations.
The 3M MT7.14.0 driver for 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows 7 is available now as a free download driver from the 3M website.
The following 3M Multi-Touch Display products are supported:
- 3M Multi-Touch Display C4667PW (46″)
- 3M Multi-Touch Display C3266PW (32″)
- 3M Multi-Touch Display C2167PW (21.5″)
- 3M Multi-Touch Display C2256PW (22″)
- 3M Multi-Touch Display M2767PW (27″)
- 3M Multi-Touch Display M2467PW (24″)
- 3M Multi-Touch Display M2167PW (21.5″)
- 3M Multi-Touch Display M1866PW (18.5″)
The following Matrox multi-display products are supported:
- Matrox DualHead2Go external multi-monitor adapters
- Matrox TripleHead2Go external multi-monitor adapters
- Matrox M-Series add-in graphics cards
- Matrox Mura MPX video wall controller boards
- Matrox Extio KVM extenders
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Extron Updates Cable Cubby EnclosuresExtron’s new Cable Cubby Series/2 offers furniture-mountable enclosures that are available in two sizes. The patent-pending, modular enclosures accommodate Extron Retractors, AV cables or Extron’s AAP-Architectural Adapter Plates. Cables and AAPs can be installed or serviced from the top of the enclosure after installation. The enclosures are available in a black anodized or brushed aluminum finish.
The updated line includes the Cable Cubby 1200 for single-user applications and the Cable Cubby 1400 for applications that require a compact, centrally located enclosure for two or more users. Slim, low profile lids provide a full width pass-through for cable management, whether open or closed. AC power modules are available for the U.S., Europe and other major world markets. Most AC modules include two unswitched outlets. To support the rapid transition to smartphones and tablets in AV presentation environments, there are also optional AC+USB power modules with one or two AC power outlets and two USB power outlets that are ideal for charging mobile devices.
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Barco Adds to ClickShare Product Line With New Smaller VersionSince its introduction, ClickShare (the industry’s first totally wireless room collaboration system that allows all participants to share their content on the central meeting room screen at the click of a button) over a year ago, we’ve said over and over that this was a system that would change the signal routing market forever. Certainly, not all by itself, but by the fact that it will be (and has been) emulated by everyone who makes room systems basically rubber-stamps our position.
Well, today, Barco launched a smaller, entry-level version in the form of the new CSM (ClickShare for Meeting rooms) Base Unit at a list price of $1,750. The new CSM Base Unit displays images up to 1080p resolution — via its HDMI or VGA output — and is fully compatible with both the ClickShare Button and the free apps for iOS and Android. Only one user can share on-screen at a time, but eight buttons can be connected wirelessly to the base unit, ready to share. A set consists of the CSM Base Unit and two ClickShare buttons.
Barco has also lowered the price of the original ClickShare to $3,950 — called the CSC (ClickShare for conference rooms) Base Unit. So, if you need higher resolution or a double screen setup, or want multiple users on the central screen at the same time, Barco’s CSC can drive two separate screens simultaneously, as well as support special output resolution, including panoramic composition (2560×1080). Up to four people can share content on-screen at the same time, while 64 buttons can be ready to share.
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BrightSign XD Players Now Do 4K and IP Streaming BrightSign this week announced new software and firmware for its BrightSign XD line of solid-state players that adds the ability to upscale 1080p video content to 4K, enhanced IP streaming and some very useful HTML5 support features. The software release, BrightAuthor 3.7, and its companion 4.7 firmware, are available to all existing and future users for free.
The BrightSign XD’s capability of playing content at 4K resolution means display manufacturers can demonstrate the same 1080p content on an HD display and a 4K display side-by-side to clearly showcase the superior picture quality of the new 4K screens. Content developers can also now leverage the 4K resolution format for digital signage applications. Also, the BrightSign XD now supports HD video streaming including HLS, SHOUTcast, video streaming in HTML, as well as playback from head-end real-time encoders such as Haivision, Exterity, Visionary Solutions and other devices that provide UDP/RTP/RTSP streaming. In addition, the XD players can now act as IP streaming servers for customers who want to stream locally stored content files.
The software update allows users to identify user variables in other databases and pull them into HTML. Using features and settings within BrightSign’s web server and on-device database of BrightAuthor user variables, users can display database data in HTML5 within a presentation. For example, the model number of a TV display entered as a user variable can pull all the information about that display into the signage presentation.
Here are all the specs of the update. Leave a Comment
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Crimson Debuts Surface-Mount MountThe new Crimson VW4600G2 is designed to be a totally seamless, flush surface mount that can handle LCDs from 37”-60″. It offers a unique pop-out design for maintenance and install, and can also be used for video wall installations. Not only does the VW4600G2 allow a single display within a video wall to be accessed without any disruption to the rest of the matrix, it solves the problem for recessed applications by virtually eliminating the need for a gap around the display without hindering ease of installation and allowing full accessibility for future maintenance.
Features include 10.75″ pull out extension from wall for easy wiring, quick release latch and click-to-closed position feature and lateral shift.
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Biamp Debuts New Vocia Paging Station Kit Biamp Systems today added to its public address and voice evacuation system, Vocia, with the PSKIT-1 interface kit and 1.5.2 software. The PSKIT-1 is a standalone paging station kit that allows for direct connection to third-party equipment, such as legacy paging stations and fireman’s microphone panels. The PSKIT-1 features embedded DSP and on-board memory to support standard and advanced public address and mass notification functionalities. The PSKIT-1 can store 999 user-defined page codes, and device-specific configuration information is stored locally within the unit.
The Vocia 1.5.2 software update enables one-button paging functionality across all of the Biamp paging station devices (DS-10, WS-10, EWS-10, PSKIT-1). This streamlined functionality facilitates quicker page message delivery while allowing end users to define single-digit custom paging codes.
The Vocia 1.5.2 software update is available for download here.
The PSKIT-1 will be available in February 2014. Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces Compact, Economical Audio Amplifier with MPA 152 PlusExtron’s new MPA 152 Plus is a new quarter-rack-width, stereo-integrated mini power amplifier that delivers 15 watts rms per channel and provides several performance enhancements over the previous MPA 152. The MPA 152 Plus features a 90 dB signal-to-noise ratio with 0.1 percent THD+N. The MPA 152 Plus is an ENERGY STAR qualified amplifier with an efficient Class D amplifier design. It also features CDRS – Class D Ripple Suppression technology that provides a smooth, clean audio waveform and an improvement in signal fidelity over conventional Class D amplifiers. Extron says this exclusive high efficiency design generates very little heat and allows the amplifier to be fanless and operate in environments with little or no ventilation.
The MPA 152 Plus ENERGY STAR qualified amplifier is an energy efficient product that conserves energy and reduces costs. It includes a defeatable auto power-down feature that automatically places the amplifier into standby after a period of inactivity, and consumes 4 watts when idle and less than 1 watt in standby mode. The MPA 152 Plus is housed in a compact 1U, quarter rack width enclosure and is UL 2043 plenum rated, which allows for a concealed installation above a drop ceiling to prevent theft while providing convenient placement of AV equipment. It delivers 15 watts rms per channel into 4 ohms and 8 watts rms into 8 ohms. The MPA 152 Plus is optimized for driving four 8 ohm speakers, two in parallel per channel.
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Crestron Ships FlipTops for Hidden, Integrated Cable and Component Management Crestron is now shipping its new family of configurable FlipTops, small compartments for cables and control products that recess into conference tables or lecterns. Cables, connectors, power and control solutions are hidden neatly out of sight when not in use, but you can just flip open the top to access the components. The tapered, notched lid allows cables to remain connected and free of crimping when the top is closed.
Crestron also will soon offer an online configuration system so integrators can customize a FlipTop with desired components, including HDMI, DisplayPort, USB, RJ45 and RCA, as well as one or two AC power outlets. A Crestron TSW-class 5″ touch screen and on-board Rava SIP Intercom technology can also be integrated.
FlipTops are available in either black anodized or brushed aluminum finishes, and can be installed in conference tables or lecterns up to 1-3/4″ thick. For more information, click here.
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PreSonus Introduces AudioBox Stereo Recording KitAimed at recording rehearsals and performances in schools and churches, the PreSonus AudioBox Stereo recording kit includes a USB interface with Studio OneArtist music-production software, HD7 monitoring headphones, a pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones and all necessary cables. It’s designed for capturing live performances and rehearsals, songwriting, song production, podcasting and a variety of educational applications.
Specs include:
- 24-bit resolution, 44.1 and 48 kHz sampling rate
- Two combo mic/instrument inputs
- 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
- Zero-latency monitoring via internal mixer
- 6-foot (1.8 meter) USB cable included
For more information, go here. Leave a Comment
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Philips Partners with Desso for Digital Signage Carpet — Yes, You Read That Right! Philips and Desso — leaders in lighting and carpets respectively — today announced a partnership agreement to develop solutions that combine LED lighting with light transmissive carpet. Effectively, the two companies will market carpet with built-in digital signage!
This innovation will further unlock the potential of LED integration into surfaces and definitely adds an exciting dimension to interior design and space planning. Very, very cool!
It will start in the EMEA market and make its way across the world to all markets by the end of 2014. In addition to this, a joint development agreement has been signed focusing on a seamless integration of this solution into new and existing buildings. The product name will be revealed in 2014 as part of the full go-to-market launch, but Philips and Desso are already working on pilot projects in key markets. Expect to see this at the upcoming ISE show in Amsterdam.
The applications for this are endless. Think: Emergency lighting in a fire or building evacuation scenario; digital signage advertising in a convention center, mall or airport; wayfinding in a building, airport or college campus building. Think advertising!
Philips is here and Desso can be found here. Leave a Comment
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Dukane Intros Power Strip with Two USB PortsIn the not-exactly revolutionary but still useful product category, Dukane has introduced a new power strip (part number 597-609), aimed at simple educational installs, that comes with six outlets and two USB charging ports. The power cord is 6 feet long and the surge protection is 900 Jules. Lighted on/off switch with reset function is also included and there are LEDs for indicating surge and ground protection. The power strip is rated at 125VAC, 15 amps, 1875 watts; the USB is 2.1 amps, with 10 watts of power.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Now Shipping Three Input Switcher with Integrated DTP TransmitterExtron’s new DTP T USW 233 is a three input switcher for sending HDMI or analog video, audio and control up to 230 feet (70 meters) over a single CATx cable to an Extron DTP 230 receiver. It is HDCP compliant and provides two HDMI inputs, one RGBHV or component video input and one DTP 230 twisted pair output. Analog video input signals are digitized to ensure a high quality digital video signal is transmitted to the DTP 230 receiver. The switcher also offers features including EDID Minder, Key Minder, auto-switching between inputs, audio input assignment and remote powering. The low profile enclosure makes the DTP T USW 233 ideal for discreet placement in lecterns, beneath tables or in other environments requiring input switching and signal transmission.
The DTP T USW 233 provides reliable switching and transmission of HDMI signals, supporting Deep Color up to 12-bit and embedded HD lossless audio formats. For simplified operation, the DTP T USW 233 can automatically switch between the digital and analog sources. In addition, the analog audio input can be assigned to any of the three video inputs, or it can be set to follow the input switch.
The switcher includes an RS232 and IR insertion port, enabling simultaneous transmission of bidirectional RS232 and IR signals from a control system using the same twisted pair cable that transmits video and audio. For added installation flexibility, a single external power supply can be used to remotely power the DTP T USW 233 transmitter or a DTP 230 receiver over the twisted pair cable. The DTP T USW 233 offers convenient control options, including front panel control, RS-232, and contact closure with tally output for easy integration into a variety of environments.
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