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Volume 6, Issue 4 — April 23, 2013
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Sometimes, It Is Life and Death
By Scott Tiner
rAVe Columnist On March 25th in Alabama, a true tragedy took place. A digital sign installed in an airport came crashing down on a family. It killed a 10-year-old boy and injured his mother and two brothers. You can read about the accident on rAVe’s site here.
Before I go any further, I wanted to make clear that there are still a lot of unknowns. I don’t intend this article to point fingers or place blame. I do think there is an appropriate time and place for that, but I don’t have enough information. Rather, I hope we take a moment to reflect on this incident and recognize that sometimes what we do can be the difference between life and death.
On several of the mail lists that I participate, we get the occasional ridiculous picture of a horrible AV install. We all make jokes about it, which in many cases is appropriate. Have you seen the picture of a satellite dish attached to a shopping cart? That deserves a good laugh. Then, every now and again the picture will come across that will make you shiver. These are the images of projectors secured with duct tape or sitting in a milk crate hanging from rachet straps. Or this picture, of a LCD panel hanging on by, I don’t know what, clear tape?
Hopefully, a tragedy like this can remind us that not only should we not laugh at these dangerous installs, but we should also condemn them. For the readership of this particular newsletter, think about who is sitting under that projector, screen or speaker — probably a child, ranging in age from 6 to 21. That’s someone who implicitly trusts that that 10-pound projector will not fall from 15 feet onto them. We need to respect that trust.
We did a project a few years ago where we installed nine classrooms, each one with a suspended ceiling. We used a product we love, the Extron PCM 240. The mounts were handed off to the general contractor, who had a carpenter install them. Every system comes with turnbuckles and 60 feet of safety wire. The intention of this, of course, is to take the main weight off the suspended grid, and place it on firm support structures above. Obviously, it also ensures the system will not fall if some part of the ceiling fails. In walking through the rooms after, we found all the turnbuckles and wire in boxes on the floor. They had not used the safety equipment. Obviously, we made them go back and put in these safety features.
Today, I question what would have happened if the equipment had been thrown away, rather than left in the room? Would we have thought to look above the tile and ensure the wires were connected to solid structure? I don’t know the answer to that question, but I hope that going forward the memory of what happened here forces us to check on such things. Even if it is “someone else’s job,” when it comes to safety why not take a moment to do that double check?
Incidents like this give a clear logic for standards and accreditations. I spoke with a fellow technology manager, Greg Brown, who holds both the CTS-I and the CTS-D certifications. Greg told me that the CTS-I exam covers some of the safety issues an installer needs to know, like safe weight loads. Greg also pointed out that “we’ve lost an appreciation for the due diligence our work requires living in a world of 10-pound projectors. Back when we regularly hung 200-pound, three-gun CRT projectors above audiences, it was pretty obvious a careless install could kill someone.” Greg makes a terrific point, and I would go further to say that this does not just cover integrators and installers, but it also includes (maybe even more so) those of us in education who do our own installs.
Another example from my personal experience is with installing a projector lift in our field house. I knew that I did not have the engineering knowledge to properly spec out how the lift should be installed and secured. I turned to the engineers in our Facility Services group. They also felt unsure of their expertise in this matter. They turned to a local engineering firm, and a local sheet fabricator to come up with a system to secure the lift to the steel beams in the field house. The experience was slower and more expensive, but we know that the lift is secure and will not fall onto people. It also highlights Greg’s point: We knew that we needed to be sure with a 400-pound contraption that it was safe, so we took the extra steps. A small speaker or projector may not seem as dangerous, but I am not volunteering to stand under a falling one.
So, do you have any lingering safety concerns about installed equipment? Is there that one screen hanging from just sheetrock? Is there a projector secured only to a suspended ceiling? If so, take a moment now and make plans to fix it. You may save a life without even knowing.
Scott Tiner, CTS, has worked in the AV/IT field in public K-12, private K-12 and higher education institutions. With a BS in Secondary Education from the Boston University School of Education, he has a deep interest in the use of various types of technology in the classroom. Currently, as the assistant director of user services: digital media, classroom technology & event support at Bates College, Scott designs learning spaces, oversees event support and staging and manges all video streaming on campus. Scott also oversees the Digital Media Center. The Digital Media Center provides support and instruction on all video and audio editing on campus.??
Scott is very active in the field, having presented at both regional and national conferences. In 2011, he was appointed as chair of the Technology Managers Council of InfoComm. Scott can be contacted via LinkedIn, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/stiner or via email at stiner08@gmail.com
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Harvard Shows the Way for 3D in Education
By Steve Sechrist
DisplayDaily The use of 3D in Education or 3D in Ed is having a dramatic impact on displaying some very old data and offering new perspectives and insights in the process. Researchers at Harvard, including Egyptologist Dr. Peter der Manuelian, the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences’ Visualization Facility, and the Boston Museum of Fine Art are getting some help from 3D Modeling Software pioneer Dassault Systems (Boston, Mass.) in a “world’s first attempt…” They now have a complete map, plan and model, of the famous Giza Plateau according to Harvard’s Professor Der Manuelian. His Giza Plateau 3D model was developed in collaboration with Dassault (3D modeling software)
To do this, the group has included ancient data collected on glass plates from more than one hundred years ago and incorporate this into the new age display technology that pushes the boundaries of presentation forms into the realm of 3D. The immersive experience 3D provides is unique, offering a teaching tool that can be acquired nowhere else, going beyond traditional lectures and PowerPoint slide presentations. ”We thought it would be a great way to try to bring the students in and expose them to Giza at a scale and in a way that they just they just can’t experience in a regular classroom,” Der Manuelian said.
The Harvard Earth and Planetary Sciences’ Visualization Facility includes:
- 23'x8' 3D cylindrical display (curved screen)
- Three edge-blended, high-resolution active stereo digital (Christie Mirage 2000) projectors
- 3D-Perceptions scaling unit (for edge-blending, geometry correction)
- Content source — Linux based O/S, 4 dual-core Opteron CPUs plus 128GB RAM, Nvidia Quadroplex D2
- Alternative content source — ScalableGraphics Windows DTC cluster, three Dell Precison PC (workstation), dual CPU, 48GB RAM, Nvidia FX Pro 5800, Mellanox Infiniband tertiary Linux image sources
- Stereo Graphics/RealD CrystalEyes Stereo Viewing eyewear
But it’s what’s taking place beyond the hardware that is perhaps impacting education most, developing virtual environments on what Manuelian calls “real archeology” with content gleaned from multiple sources from long-running expeditions like the (1905 to 1947) monumental work done by Harvard University-Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and directed by George Reisner. Over that forty-year period at “Harvard Camp” in the Giza plateau, Reisner collected “…thousands and thousands of glass plate photographic negatives, thousands of pages of notes, diaries, architectural plans, drawings and other recording systems,” Manuelian noted, and now being used to bring his present coursework to life.
The interim step came over the past 10 years, with help from the Mellon Foundation, to convert the vast body of Reisner’s work to digital. But the point is not to just converting this mountain of research into digital data, it’s applying the knowledge, converting data into understanding and new academic insights generated from a collaborative experience. This is perhaps where 3D in education can play a significant role and make a lasting contribution.
“Relationships are what come to the forefront when you’re able to view Giza in this kind of 3D environment,” Der Manuelian said. ”…just how big the pyramids are, where the streets and alleyways have been built, the large and small ones. More importantly, the matrix relationships are so key to studying these archeological sites,” he said. This comprehensive view gives researchers ”…a feel for those relationships. You can get a sense of what’s above ground… we can dive underground and do things that no mortal can do,” he said of his use of 3D in education.
We think the future of 3D in education is wide open as it has already begun to attract a new generation of students, familiar and comfortable with cutting-edge technology now presenting “ancient” data in brand new ways. Researchers like Peter der Manuelian see the use of 3D technology as “…the next logical extension” in education, a technology that can “…link all this material together,” as evidenced by his new millennium course work at Harvard breathing new excitement and lifeblood into the field. And perhaps more importantly, new discoveries from 3D’s new perspective on data resurrected from a lifetime of dedication in Reisner’s great body of work; not to mention the untold treasures of research still waiting in dusty academic halls for its time of resurrection in the new 3D immersive experience sunlight.
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"Lockdown!" Crisis Management Calls for Digital Signage
By Richard Lebovitz Emergency alerts have always been a part of the fabric of our daily lives, whether a fire alarm, tornado warning siren or road hazard sign. What is different today than in the past is that we have many more means of delivering warnings and seemingly more opportunities to use those means than any of us would like. (Note: I wrote this post over the weekend and before the Boston Marathon tragedy on Monday afternoon. Unfortunately, there appears to have been no information that would have triggered a warning prior to this act of terror.)
To be sure I wasn't imagining that things were worse than they are, this past Friday before leaving work I did a quick search of Google News using the keyword "lockdown." What I learned is that more than eight reports of lockdowns had occurred around the country in less than 24 hours, including five schools, two colleges and one hospital:
As if the tragedies in Columbine, Colo; Blacksburg, Va.; Aurora, Colo.; and Newtown, Conn. weren't enough, the threat of some horrific happening seems to be not only an occasional occurrence but a regular occurrence.
The necessary response to this epidemic of mindlessness is, to use the familiar Scout motto, be prepared. Which leads me to the question: Is there any municipality, government agency, institution or business that can afford not to have an emergency alert system?
A new product announcement I posted last week from Omnilert LLC, a Leesburg, Va., company that specializes in emergency notification software, got me thinking about emergency alert systems, in particular multi-modal systems in which both audible and visual modes of messaging are used: alarms, bells, sirens, public address systems on the one hand, and static signage, computer displays, smartphones, tablets and digital signs on the other.
At the same time I received a copy of Sean Matthews' handout for his Industry Vertical Discussion Group session on "Campus Alerts: Incorporating Digital Signage in Your Crisis Communications Plan " at DSE 2013.
Matthews, the president of Atlanta-based Visix Inc., and his company have been actively involved in the implementation of emergency notification systems on college campuses for years, and he first taught a session on this topic at DSE East in 2008.
As the technology and urgency have changed over the years, Matthews has updated and expanded on the information he provides in his discussion groups and in the accompanying handout, which we've arranged for you to download here.
Keep in mind that each component of a comprehensive emergency alert system plays its own role, either complementing or supplementing the other. An audible alarm may tell you something is amiss, for example, but a digital sign using words and images can show you where to go or what to do. Digital signage isn't the end-all and be-all for emergency messaging, but as evident in Matthews' handout, any system without it is missing a key communication component.
This column was reprinted with permission from the Digital Signage Connection and originally appeared here.
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Share Article Back to Top Sharp Intros Two New XGA Projectors Sharp's new PG-LX3500 and PG-LX3000 are XGA (1024×768) projectors using TI's BrilliantColor Technology 3D-Ready format. They offer a brightness spec of up to 3,500 lumens (PG-LX3500). Weighing less than 6 pounds, they're ultra-portable, and are aimed at schools and businesses where projectors are frequently moved from room to room. These models join the PG-LW3500 and PG-LW3000 WXGA projectors to complete the new series lineup.
Both projectors have an HDMI and VGA input and include a 1.2x optical zoom lens. They also have LAN control content sending capabilities.
You can get all the specs here: http://www.sharp-pdd.com/Home/Passthroughs/SharpStartLoginPage/tabid/56/Default.aspx?returnurl=%2fdefault.aspx
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Extron Updates MediaLink iPad App Extron's MediaLink for iPad, version 1.1, provides an additional point of control for systems with Ethernet-enabled MediaLink controllers and their associated control modules. With this app, users can wirelessly control their AV system using a Wi-Fi network, allowing them the freedom to move from room to room. This latest release adds powerful new features, including support for Extron control modules to expand the app’s functionality in more applications and an enhanced Room Manager that eliminates the previous version’s 12 room limit, giving users the ability to use the app in larger scale installations. MediaLink for iPad 1.1 supports all generations of iPads and iPad mini and is now available for download on the App Store.
In addition to the features mentioned above, MediaLink for iPad version 1.1 also features Auto-reconnect, which recalls the previous session even after the app is closed, and Auto-lock override that keeps the iPad screen on and allows the app to stay active at all times. As in the previous version, each button press is tracked in real time between the app and the controller, so that both stay in sync. MediaLink for iPad supports Extron MLC 104 IP Plus and MLC 226 IP MediaLink Controllers that are configured using Global Configurator.
Here are all the details: http://www.extron.com/product/software.aspx?id=vml&s=5
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Share Article Back to Top BOXLIGHT Announces Release of ProjectoWrite5 BOXLIGHT has announced the release of the ProjectoWrite5 featuring dual screen link, which creates two separate and independent interactive screens by connecting two projectors to one computer. This feature allows for twice the interactive surface area and with the addition of dual pen, allows two separate presenters to interact with the screens and/or toggle interactive content back and forth.
The ProjectoWrite5 also features PC-less presentations through the addition of a USB input, allowing for 1.5GB of internal storage of items such as Office docs, video, audio and image files.
The initial release includes three versions:
- ProjectoWrite5 WX30N | WXGA, 3,000-lumen, standard throw
- ProjectoWrite5 WX31NST | WXGA, 3,100-lumen, short throw
- ProjectoWrite5 X32N | XGA, 3,200-lumen, standard throw
The EZ Display APP for mobile devices will allow you to send images, web pages or view live from your mobile device, and includes annotation features to allow for real-time interaction. With an optional Wi-Fi USB display adapter (dongle), connectivity increases to include projection of up to four devices at one time.
List on the ProjectoWrite5 ranges from $1,887 to $2,443 and here are the details: http://www.boxlight.com
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Share Article Back to Top Promethean and Epson Announce Partnership Promethean and Epson today announced a partnership that gives educators in the United States and Canada a wider range of options for converting classrooms into collaborative and interactive learning environments.
Under the agreement announced today, customers will be able to purchase Promethean’s teaching and learning software, ActivInspire, from Epson when buying Epson’s industry-leading BrightLink interactive projectors. Each company will provide world-class customer support for their respective products, giving educators full confidence and support as they convert classrooms and learning spaces to interactive work areas.
“School districts want to select the best interactive hardware and the best interactive software tools independently that suit their needs and budgets,” said Keith Kratzberg, senior vice president of Epson America, Inc. “This partnership squarely delivers on that request from the education community and seamlessly brings together the highly acclaimed software of Promethean with Epson BrightLink, the top selling line of interactive projectors in the world1, to transform classrooms across the United States and Canada.”
Under the agreement, Epson will have licensing rights to sell Promethean ActivInspire to new and existing customers using BrightLink interactive projectors throughout the United States and Canada, providing educators more options as they transition to collaborative, interactive classrooms.
“We want to give educators the flexibility to create environments where students can experience a 21stcentury lesson with the tools and resources that make sense to them. By pairing our award-winning interactive teaching and learning software with Epson interactive projectors we provide them with options. And with over a million teachers worldwide using our software, they can have the confidence that using our software with an interactive device will motivate, engage and inspire students,” said Promethean CEO Jim Marshall.
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Share Article Back to Top BenQ Adds Large Venue Projector Line BenQ America Corp. today announced its new M7 Series of high-brightness, high-performance projectors. Designed for education and other large-venue settings, the product line comprised of the MX720, MW721, MX722, MX766, and MW767 features up to 4,200 ANSI lumens of brightness, contrast ratios extending to 13,000:1, and power-saving technology to cut energy consumption by up to 70 percent. The higher-end models include features such as USB camera integration and remote desktop capabilities to facilitate classroom management, wireless display for cable-free connections and projection templates to make presentations easier.
With 3,500 (MX720 and MW721), 4,000 (MX722 and MX766), and 4,200 (MW767) ANSI lumens of light, the projectors offer astounding brightness within any ambient light setting. The projectors feature XGA (MX720, MX722 and MX766) and WXGA (MW721 and MW767) native resolutions for sharp images, built-in 10-watt or 20-watt speakers and a six-segment color wheel to cast lifelike images onto the screen.
Lowering total cost of ownership (TCO), all models feature an "Eco Blank" mode, allowing presenters to blank out the projection screen whenever the projector is not in use. To further reduce energy costs, the MX720, MW721, MX766, and MW767 use BenQ's SmartEco technology to enable power-saving features. In the "SmartEco" mode, the projector automatically adjusts lamp power by up to 70 percent — using just the right amount of brightness that is needed. A "No Source Detected" mode automatically lowers brightness to 30 percent when no display has been detected for more than three minutes, while a "Standby" mode lowers power consumption to less than 0.5W while the projectors are inactive. In addition, the M7 Series features an audio pass through function that further preserves lamp life by enabling just sound for audio-only podcasts or presentations.
For complete connectivity, the M7 Series features LAN Display for full projection management via a single LAN cable, dual HDMI and D-sub ports to enable inputs from several sources, and DLP Link support for 3D projection. Other features include "instant restart," which allows rapid rebooting when devices are accidentally switched off and a microphone input to facilitate setups by eliminating the need to carry speakers.
Available now, the BenQ MX720, MW721, MX722, MX766 and MW767 retail at $1,299, $1,499, $1,499, $2,199 and $2,399, respectively.
More information is available here: http://www.BenQ.us.
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Christie Debuts Two 3-Chip DLPs with 4K Resolution Today Christie introduced two new 3-chip DLP, 4K projectors — the Christie D4K2560 and Christie D4K3560. The company says these new D4K models are the 3-chip DLP 4K projectors from Christie that also offer frame rates at 60 frames per second (fps). Both the Christie D4K2560 (25,000 center lumens) and Christie D4K3560 (35,000 center lumens) provide razor-sharp image detail – and video with smoother motion and transitions – for unsurpassed image quality and a more vibrant and appealing visual experience. The new projectors replace the Christie D4K25 and D4K35, respectively.
“Christie is the only manufacturer providing full 4K (4096×2160) resolution at 60 Hz and the reliability and image clarity of 3-chip DLP all in one package. Both projectors are a quantum leap forward in video image processing and a breakthrough in high frame rate and high resolution video projection,” said Mike Garrido, senior product manager, Business Products, Christie.
The Christie D4K2560 and Christie D4K3560 projectors are the first of Christie’s new TruLife Electronics platform. Additionally, the units come equipped with 3G SDI, Display Port and DVI/Dual Link DVI inputs, so Christie customers can update their existing sites for future projects without the constraints of SDVI inputs.
“Customers such as automotive designers and amusement park operators will love the increased dynamic range and the highest fidelity content with immaculate, deep, and vivid color transitions,” Garrido continued. “Amusement parks, for example, are open all day and well into the evening seven days a week and the combination of 4K, 60 Hz and DLP reliability can manage the heavy workload with smooth, crystal-clear video content much longer than what has been available."
The Christie D4K2560 and Christie D4K3560 have a three-year parts and labor warranty and ship in June 2013. Tou can see all the specs of the D4K2560 here: http://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/business/products/projectors/3-chip-dlp/Pages/
Christie-D4K2560-3-chip-DLP-4K-projector.aspx and the D4K3560 here: http://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/business/products/projectors/3-chip-dlp/Pages/christie-d4k3560-3-chip-dlp-4k-projector.aspx
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Share Article Back to Top Extron Introduces New Eight-Input Scaling Presentation Switchers with DTP Extension Extron's new IN1608 is an eight-input, HDCP-compliant scaling presentation switcher with four HDMI inputs, two universal analog video inputs and dual HDMI outputs. It also features two Extron DTP 230 twisted pair inputs and a DTP 230 output for extending HDMI, audio and bidirectional control signals to DTP 230 transmitters and receivers, each over a single CATx cable up to 230 feet (70 meters). The IN1608 provides the convenience of supporting local and remote displays with fast and reliable switching, and a high performance scaling engine that converts all HDMI and analog sources to the optimal resolution. Selectable output resolutions are available up to 1920×1200, including 1080p and 2K. The IN1608 also includes a host of audio switching and processing features. It is available as a standard model with two stereo audio outputs, the IN1608 SA, which adds a stereo 4/8 ohm power amplifier and the IN1608 MA with a mono 70 volt amplifier.
The two DTP 230 twisted pair inputs can receive signals from remote DTP 230 transmitters in areas such as a conference table, lectern or wall for connecting a guest laptop. The DTP 230 twisted pair output can be used to transmit from an IN1608 in a rack to a DTP 230 receiver behind a flat-panel display on a wall, above a ceiling-mounted projector, or any other remote location. To simplify installation, bidirectional RS-232 and IR signals can be inserted from a control system and transmitted over the single CATx cable together with the video and audio, enabling control of a source or display. The IN1608 can also remotely power each of the DTP 230 transmitters and receiver over the same CATx cable, streamlining system design and installation.
In addition to video switching and processing, the IN1608 can serve as the central component for audio system integration. It includes eight-input audio switching, two mic/line inputs, HDMI audio embedding and de-embedding, and several audio processing features for mixing, ducking, tone adjustments and more. Audio configuration features and options can easily be accessed through the internal Web pages, with an intuitive GUI that provides access to all available adjustments and settings. Two IN1608 models feature integrated power amplifiers. The IN1608 SA delivers stereo power amplification with 50 watts rms per channel into 4 ohms and 25 watts rms per channel into 8 ohms, while the IN1608 MA provides mono 70 volt amplification with 100 watts rms output.
The IN1608 features an advanced scaling engine that can scale HDMI, RGB, component, and standard definition video signals to a common high resolution output. It provides high performance 1080i deinterlacing and Deep Color processing to deliver optimal image quality. To simplify integration of HDMI sources and displays, and to help ensure optimal system performance and dependability, the IN1608 features three Extron-exclusive technologies: EDID Minder, Key Minder and SpeedSwitch. EDID Minder and Key Minder automatically manage EDID communication and HDCP key negotiation between input and output devices to ensure reliable operation. With SpeedSwitch Technology, the IN1608 delivers virtually instantaneous switching speeds for HDCP-encrypted content.
Go here to learn more: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=in1608&search=IN1608
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Share Article Back to Top Noventri Debuts SF-200 Digital Signage Media Player Noventri's new Eco-Series SF-200 (replacing the SF-100e) uses only 4 watts of power in a media player for digital signage that outputs HDMI at 1920x1080p. The SF-200 is more than a replacement for the SF-100e — there is a noticeable difference with a curvy polycarbonate casing and it also adds a second USB port and a high-speed 4 GB thumb drive.
Add on features include:
- IR Remote control (for configuring and rebooting the SF-200 from a distance)
- Mounting plate that fits Vesa hole pattern standards (75 millimeter and 100 millimeter)
- RS-232 cable
- VGA adapter
- Wi-Fi adapter (coming soon)
- Power adapter available for U.S., EU and UK
Here are all the specs: http://www.noventri.com/
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Share Article Back to Top Higher Education Gathers at InfoComm 2013 InfoComm 2013 will introduce the latest advances in technology and solutions for higher education, bringing together leading manufacturers and service providers with end-users, including CIOs and technicians at the annual event taking place June 8-14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. With more than 925 exhibitors, a specialized education technology Tech Pavilion and informative seminars and training, higher education attendees will have a wide variety of opportunities to maximize their show experience.
“With so many innovative audiovisual applications available for today’s classroom, our higher education attendees are always excited see the latest technology and meet the challenges of communication and learning,” said David Labuskes, CTS, RCDD, executive director and CEO, InfoComm International. “This year’s InfoComm will help top education technology managers find new ways to bring their ideas to life, share valuable observations with peers and more.”
Highlights for Higher Education professionals include:
- Super Tuesday’s Technology Managers Symposium, featuring industry thought leaders and University AV managers
- InfoComm University courses: The Connected Classroom, Large Campus AV Systems Case Studies, Digital Signage for Universities and Integrating AV Services in an IT Dominated World
- 3D Comm: 3D Training and Education Workshop
- Education Technology Tech Zone Pavilion
For more news on InfoComm 2013 and to register (use code MCTRA to register for free), go to http://www.infocommshow.org
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Share Article Back to Top Vaddio Launches the ZoomSHOT HD Camera At NAB, Vaddio announced the launch of its ZoomSHOT — a high definition, point-of-view camera with HDMI and analog component outputs. Based on Vaddio’s ClearVIEW HD-19 PTZ camera technology, the ZoomSHOT provides a 19x optical zoom, auto focus, auto iris, advanced image control and high definition video resolutions up to 1080p60/50. Manual pan and tilt positioning allows for simple, yet precise control.
Vaddio’s complementary QuickSET mounting system offers simple installation by just positioning the camera to a required shot and locking it in place. Optional wall and ceiling mounts are available in addition to the standard set-top mount.
Power, video and control all run over Cat5 cabling. Full image color control is available from a built-in internal On-Screen Display. In addition, to Vaddio’s existing Quick-Connect solutions, a new Quick-Connect USB option outputs USB and analog component (YPbPr) and HDMI.
Here are all the specs: http://www.vaddio.com/product/zoomshot_camera
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Share Article Back to Top Bretford and AmpliVox Partner on Mobile Interactive Whiteboard AmpliVox Sound Systems has announced that it is working with educational furniture manufacturer Bretford Manufacturing, Inc. to supply a custom OEM version of its amplified Line Array speaker for Bretford’s EXPLORE Mobile Interactive Whiteboard. The Line Array speaker will be available as a Bretford accessory to enhance the audio capability of the interactive classroom.
The AmpliVox Line Array speaker is a slim, compact system that mounts directly to the top of the EXPLORE board, delivering a broad dispersion of sound. As offered through the Bretford package, the speaker features multiple line-in/line-out jacks, including a mic jack, as well as all mounting brackets and hardware. The unit includes a universal 100-240V AC adapter with IEC line cord. The addition of the speaker greatly enhances the effectiveness of the interactive whiteboard in larger classrooms, improving audience engagement and comprehension.
For more information about Bretford visit: www.Bretford.com and for information about AmpliVox Sound Systems visit: http://www.ampli.com
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Share Article Back to Top InFocus Upgrades MondoPads The next iteration of the InFocus Mondopad maintains all of the original features that made its predecessor a hit in business and education markets, with a few upgrades including a smaller bezel, a five-point touchscreen, they doubled the amount of optical touch sensors in the new Mondopad from two to four, and it now comes standard with a solid-state drive.
Like the original Mondopad, the new one is, at its core, a digital interactive whiteboard, document annotation, video conferencing and 55" LCD — all-in-one. It allows users to share, view and control applications for tablets and smartphones, and comes with a full version of Microsoft Office 2010 Suite.
The Mondopad also features the company’s recently released version 1.6 software, which allows for annotation in more places and gives users the ability to seamlessly switch between the Mondopad software and third-party applications. The software also allows for the customization of whiteboard backgrounds and gives administrators the option to require domain logins for increased security. The Mondopad 1.6 software update is available for download now for current Mondopad users from the InFocus website.
The next iteration Mondopad is available now for $6,999 and here are the details: http://www.infocus.com/
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Share Article Back to Top IMCCA Webinar Explores Strategies for Unified Communication IMCCA, the non-profit industry association for conferencing and unified collaboration technologies, is sponsoring a webinar for organizations interested in understanding more about Unified Communications (UC). This webinar is being hosted by West IP communications.
Scheduled for April 24, 2013, the webinar will outline strategies for blending technology with organizational needs and structure in order to take that step toward more streamlined internal communication. The webinar, Transforming the Way We Meet and Communicate through Unified Communications, will be led by industry veteran Dr. S. Ann Earon, Chairperson Emeritus, IMCCA. Speakers include Mike Brandofino, EVP Video and Unified Communications, AVI-SPL, Bob Romano, vice president, Global Marketing, Radvision, An Avaya Company, Bob Wise, EVP, West IP Communications.
According to Carol Zelkin, executive director, IMCCA, Unified Communications has become the default term for next-generation, IP-enabled enterprise communications. It comprises everything from video to audio to text and across a variety of styles including internal networks, mobile devices and web browsers.
She says, "Organizations can no longer relegate video, telephony, instant messaging or collaboration applications to siloed functions. Rather, they must be viewed and planned as part of a UC strategy. This webinar will offer tactics that can help participants break through some of the barriers that often inhibit a plan's success."
Content for the 60 minute webinar will include:
- Understanding the value of real time unified communication
- Learning about technology features and application benefits
- Exploring strategies and guidelines to help ensure implementation success
Zelkin adds that two additional webinars are scheduled for May 21 and Sept. 10. How Mobility and Mobile Video is Changing the World is slated for the May 21 webinar and Visual Collaboration in the Cloud will be the topic for the Sept. 10 webinar.
To register for the April 24 webinar or learn more information:
Web Conference Information:
Meeting number: 597 011 775
This meeting does not require a password.
Please click the link below to see more information, or to join the meeting.
Web conference link: https://intercallcenters.webex.com/intercallcenters/j.php?ED=231806242&UID=1628337617&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D
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Share Article Back to Top Vaddio Launches Major Software Updates to AV Bridge and ClearVIEW HD-USB PTZ Camera Vaddio announced a major software update to the AV Bridge and ClearVIEW HD-USB PTZ camera that adds support for 4.2.0-encoded video applications including WebEx, Microsoft Lync and GoToMeeting.
“When recording lectures with detailed classroom and presentation content, HD video is essential and the higher video resolutions work great,” said COO of Vaddio, Mark Steen. “But when you’re network only provides limited bandwidth, sometimes lower resolutions are the only way to go. Streaming an HD video call, only to have it scaled down on the soft client end, doesn’t make much sense and eats up a lot of bandwidth.”
For more information on the ClearVIEW HD-USB Camera and AV Bridge software upgrade please visit the Vaddio website at http://www.vaddio.com in the Tech Center.
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Share Article Back to Top InfoComm University Plans 300+ Educational Sessions During InfoComm 2013 InfoComm 2013 will provide educational opportunities to more than 3,500 of the 35,000 professionals expected to attend this year’s week-long event, June 8-14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. InfoComm University offers career-advancing training and certifications, and InfoComm partner organizations and manufacturers will provide additional training sessions to round out the educational offerings. More than half of the classes in this year’s Show program are new.
InfoComm University Tracks
InfoComm University offers a comprehensive range of programs to address the diverse skills and interests of attendees. It includes:
- Pre-Show Education — three-day “total immersion” technical courses
- Super Tuesday — full day sessions prior to the show floor opening, including the popular Future Trends
- Daybreak Sessions — designed to tackle training subjects before the show floor opens
- Seminars and Workshops — one-and-a-half to two-hour seminars focus on AV systems and technology, and special four-hour workshops on everything from networking for AV professionals to incorporating video streaming and managing an AV department
- AV Tech Tours — tours of top AV installations in Orlando
The following topics will be covered during the Super Tracks at InfoComm 2013:
- AV Systems Technology
- Networked AV Systems
- Business & Management
- Technology Manager
- Staging and Live Events
- Digital Signage
- First Timers
- Standards
On Tuesday, June 11, InfoComm University presents Super Tuesday, an all-day exchange of ideas and best practices. Classes with new content include:
- Women in Technology Symposium
- Unified Communications and Collaboration
- Wireless Trends
- Technology Managers Symposium
- Digital Image Content in Live Event Production
- CTS-D & CTS-I Symposium, focusing on the AV Systems Verification Checklist
- Future Trends
- Business Leadership Workshop
Partner training opportunities are scheduled to occur before and during the event and include the following education tracks: 3D Comm, DisplaySearch, IMCCA, Projection Summit, Realcomm/IBCon, SynAudCon and Technologies for Worship. In addition, more than 30 leading manufacturers will offer 60 sessions on specific audiovisual products and solutions.
InfoComm 2013, the largest commercial audiovisual show, expects 35,000 attendees including commercial service providers and end-user technology managers from wide-ranging market sectors, including business, government, military, education, worship, healthcare, hospitality, retail and entertainment.
Register for InfoComm today using code MCTRA at http://www.infocommshow.org
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Share Article Back to Top One Million Interactive Whiteboards Sold in 2012 For calendar year 2012, sales of interactive whiteboards and interactive flat panel displays in the education and corporate sectors are up 15 percent annually, to nearly one million displays, according to the latest quarterly research from Futuresource Consulting. This is despite the increasing presence of personal tablet devices in the education sector, which continue to gain a foothold. The following data provides key highlights from the market report.
Asia: Best Ever Year for Sales
Asia has, by far, achieved its largest ever quarter, with nearly 70 percent annual growth. China – for the first year the world's biggest market – achieved a significant sales volume. Futuresource expectations are that the huge education tenders will continue. India also experienced a substantial quarter, with more than 100 percent increase in the year.
USA: Market Continues Falling
In the USA volumes fell to 27 percent below 2011, as previously forecast by Futuresource, and the education market is expect to continue to drop over the next few years. By the end of this year almost half of K-12 classrooms will have an interactive display and the early models sold into the market are not yet ready for replacement. The rise of tablet devices will also impede growth of interactive displays.
EMEA: Strong Growth
EMEA experienced its largest year of sales, achieving 24 percent annual growth. Sales in Russia almost doubled their 2011 levels.
The Global Perspective
Futuresource forecasts show that the total display technologies market of interactive whiteboards, interactive flat panels and interactive projectors will reach 1.16 million devices by 2017. However, the adoption rates of the three products are very different by country and even by region. Futuresource has compared all three technologies in eight regions and countries.
Looking at some of the country tenders, Saudi Arabia, pending for some time, started shipping. However, the Mexico tender, hanging for several years, was canceled.
Over three million tablets were purchased by schools in 2012 and this has definitely contributed to the increased competition for education budgets. However, The scale of the corporate space presents a number viable opportunities. With over 67 million meeting rooms worldwide, this segment of the corporate market alone is twice the scale of school classrooms. As a result, the corporate market is forecast to be the fastest growing sector, increasing to 30 percent by 2017. This growth will be in more developed markets like the USA, UK, Germany and Sweden.
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Share Article Back to Top AmpliVox Acrylic Lecterns Are Customizable AmpliVox Sound Systems has expanded its line of Acrylic Lecterns with 14 different styles — all of which are customizable with any logo or image on the front panel. AmpliVox has an extensive range of lectern products, available in hardwood, wood veneer, Lucite and mixed-material designs. Many lecterns also come with wireless UHF 16-channel or dynamic gooseneck mics to enhance sound amplification systems.
AmpliVox’s Acrylic Lecterns are more contemporary in style, with each lectern manufactured from thick plexiglass sheets in either clear or smoked finishes, in a wide range of styles. They ship fully assembled and ready to use. Customized front panels are available in most models of lecterns, which also feature a range of wood and metal accent choices. The logo complements the lectern’s materials while still allowing a clear view of the speaker.
Here are the details: http://www.ampli.com/lecterns-and-podiums/3525-Contemporary-Acrylic-and-Aluminum-Lectern.aspx
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Share Article Back to Top BEHRINGER Debuts New 500-Watt PA Speakers The new BEHRINGER EUROPORT EPS500MP3 PA System is aimed at musicians, DJs, schools, gyms or anyone seeking a portable and lightweight audio solution. The compact system is easy to set up and simple to use, and features an 8-channel, 500-watt powered mixer with built-in MP3 player and wireless mic capability. It offers two separate loudspeakers, each with a custom-designed 8” woofer and 1” compression driver and a storage compartment for the included XM1800S mic and cabling.
Despite its size, the EPS500MP3 is integrated with an 8-channel powered mixer that can be left attached to the back of the speaker or detached for easy positioning and access. Channels 1 – 4, which feature BEHRINGER's XENYX mic preamps, accept balanced XLR mics, as well as balanced and unbalanced ¼” line-level sources. Phantom power is provided for studio-grade condenser mics and each channel has its own 2-band EQ. Stereo channels accommodate both RCA and ¼” inputs.
Here are the specs: http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/EPS500MP3.aspx
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Share Article Back to Top Extron Introduces New TeamWork Digital Collaboration System Extron's TeamWork is basically a pre-packaged, pre-configured small room system that supports groups of four to six users. TeamWork 400 and TeamWork 600 Digital Collaboration System packages are pre-configured for ease of installation with virtually any furniture system, new or currently in use. The TeamWork system also works with most flat panel displays, laptops and tablets. For added flexibility, TeamWork is scalable and can be easily tailored to meet specific requirements with the addition of mounting hardware, support for legacy analog sources and other optional accessories.
The TeamWork system is designed for simple, intuitive operation with a minimum of training. Users simply connect their laptop or tablet to a TeamWork "Show Me" cable to start the system, then press the "Share" button to display their content on the presentation display. When done, users simply 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. Each TeamWork system package is complete and ready for installation, and includes HDMI "Show Me" cables, a switcher, a system controller, a Cable Cubby enclosure with four US AC outlets, and other necessary system cables. TeamWork supports legacy analog computer sources with the optional TeamWork VGA Kit. Mounting hardware is also optionally available to facilitate different collaboration table or work surface designs.
Here are all the specs for the TeamWork 400: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=tw400&s=5
Here are all the specs for the TeamWork 600: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=tw600&s=5
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Share Article Back to Top AVFoundry's New HDMI Test Pattern Generator Ships The VideoForge is a portable test pattern generator that can be used independently or incorporated with Spectracal's CalMAN Software. It provides an HDMI output with video signals you need for testing, calibrating and servicing video displays, including 3D displays. The VideoForge’s features three distinct control interfaces. First the VideoForge utilizes a modern XML-RPC control interface for automated control. Second, the VideoForge features an Adobe Flash-based control panel for interactive control. Finally, the VideoForge can be controlled with a programmable infrared remote for standalone operation.
The VideoForge’s features full 3D support — every pattern can be displayed in a 3D video format. The standard patterns will show the same image in both left and right eye frames. True stereo patterns are available from JPG and PNG files on the SD card. The VideoForge allows on/off gating for left and right eye images independently — allowing for testing and measurement of stereo separation or left/right crosstalk.
Here are all the specs: http://www.avproalliance.com/pages/product-catalog-detail/AVFoundry_VideoForge
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Share Article Back to Top For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ED [Education] 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 GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com To read more about my background, our team and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top Copyright 2013 – 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 Ed [Education] contains the opinions of the authors only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.
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