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Volume 6, Issue 8 — August 8, 2013
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Director of AV, Meet Director of Security
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
In July of this year, one of our local sales and integration firms, Advance Technology Inc. (ATI), won the Installer of the Year award from Security Sales & Integration Magazine. You can check out the news release here. What struck me about the article is that ATI is using some sophisticated tools for remote maintenance and support. You can read about it in the article, but in short, they are using the network and the cloud to better support their customers and make sure they keep their security systems running. This is something I have written and spoken about on many occasions, but in relation to supporting AV.
You also may be interested to know that ATI is also an AV integration firm. I find it surprising that we don’t find more companies who have joined these specialities. Wisely, ATI keeps the specialities as separate divisions, but clearly so much of what they do relate to each other. Cameras, along with monitors and control systems to manage the security systems, are all AV devices.
Reading the article made me think more and more about what we can do on our campuses to keep our students safe and to respond in the case of an emergency. It also makes me wonder why in so many cases, the AV team and security team don’t work together as much as they could to provide a safer environment. I can only imagine it is due to the fact that both divisions think they are experts in their fields and don’t want the other division telling them how to do their work. Unfortunately, this attitude only causes a lack of progress and potentially costs us money.
A specific area of collaboration is cameras and audio in classrooms. More and more of us are installing class capture systems in our classrooms. These systems include cameras and microphones. Why don’t we meet with our security team and talk about how, in an emergency, these systems could be activated for use by security? The most obvious examples here would be a hostage situation, an active shooter or some type of standoff. Being able to look into a room and see and hear what is happening could be invaluable to security who was trying to end the situation. In our case, this system would be very easy to implement. The rooms that we have installed class capture in all have Crestron Capture HD equipment. This allows us to stream the content. With a iPad or iPhone control you could turn on the streaming, get instructions on how to view it and control the camera. Vaddio has its AV Bridge, which would provide a very similar service at a modest cost.
Obviously, the above situations are critical, scary and we hope that we never have to face them. So, are there ways that we can use this technology on a more regular basis for security needs? Indeed, there are. Theft is an issue on most campuses. Technology managers have tried a variety of ways to secure their projectors and other equipment. Thick cables, audible alarms and even cages protect the equipment on many campuses. However, what if we could catch people in the act? With a smart programmer and integrated systems, you could set up a system to record thefts. Rooms could be programmed so that if there is activity detected after a certain time at night, say 10 p.m., the cameras would turn on, go to a preset and begin recording. The video could automatically be uploaded to a server. Or, if connected properly, a notification could be sent to the security office, and they could take a live view of the room. If there is concern about whether activity in the room would set the camera off on too regular of a basis, then how about a trigger that the projector has gone offline? That could begin the recording process. Perhaps you could put a motion detector right at the projector, with a tightly masked area, so the camera will only record when motion is detected right at the projector.
The benefit of a trigger from room activity is that it would be able to record activity other than theft of a projector. Vandalism, theft of other equipment, or just general undesired activities could be prevented.
It’s a win, win for both the security and the AV departments. The security department does not have to pay for cameras in every room, while the AV group does not have to pay for the underlying security infrastructure. Best yet, the college as a whole wins. I imagine that companies like Advance Technology are perfectly poised to get into this business right now. This is because they are already in both businesses. The best piece for integrators like ATI is that they are selling equipment AND a service here. We all know that it is the service that is going to make them the money.
I understand that there are politics involved when it comes to cameras and privacy. People are very wary of cameras recording their activities. I guess for me, the end question is about safety. It needs to come first. However, there are many precautions that could be put in place. One significant step that could be taken is a security override pin number that needs to be entered in order to gain access to these cameras remotely. Whenever this pin gets used, a specified list of people get notified via text message, so we know the system is not being abused.
Like any grand idea, if you want to implement this on your campus, you need to start with a plan. If you go through the work to put all of this in place, but no one knows how to use it when the time comes, then you have failed. So, if you are a tech manager, go sit down with your director of security and let him/her know what is possible. Be part of a proactive plan to keep your campus safe. Are you doing anything like this on your campus? Let me know — I look forward to hearing from you.
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A Review of the Wainhouse UC&C Summit
By Darcy Harrell CEO, Total Marketing
The palatable excitement from June’s InfoComm is slowly starting to wane. The thrill of new technology and product introductions, as well as the entrance of new market players, has been replaced as the doldrums of the everyday demo, quote, close rhythm takes over. In North Texas, it’s hot… and I don’t mean mildly hot, I mean burn yourself on your leather seats everyday kind of hot. So, when an opportunity presented itself to escape to Northern California to expand my knowledge of the unified communications (UC) and collaboration markets and current trends associated, maybe with a little networking on the side, I jumped at the chance.
I’ve been a dedicated follower of Wainhouse Research for many years. Most recently, I’ve followed closely the projections and trends specifically around the videoconferencing industry, which has continued to grow in size and also in recognition as new players have entered the last few years. As video has become more of a mainstream technology, more enterprise entities are now incorporating videoconferencing into their overall UC or collaboration strategy.
Wainhouse Research puts on an annual event billed as “the major unified communications and collaboration (UC&C) event in North America,” offering participants “the perfect meeting place to learn the latest developments in the industry, hear from world-renowned analysts and develop collaborative strategies for 2013 and beyond.”
Wainhouse has been putting on these events for over a decade and each year, according to organizer Alan Greenberg, the event has grown in size and as well as quality of attendees. My experience was that of an intimate gathering (sub-200) of a wide range of UC professionals, each of whom brings a unique perspective to the industry and is genuinely vested in its future.
There were also a host of manufacturers and software providers including relative newcomers to the industry: Mersive, showcasing its Solstice product, as well as TelyLabs and its sub-$1000 room-based codec.
Most of the additional attendees included a host of service providers and a handful of end users. Noteably absent were the AV players as less than a handful of recognizable integrators and consultants were in attendance.
What I liked about the format was the small numbers encouraged a great deal of interactivity amongst attendees. Presentations were interactive and included time for audience Q&A. The intimate nature of the event fueled this.
Presentation topics and discussion highlights included impact of BYOD/BYOA in the enterprise, the changing face of higher education, the impact of Microsoft Lync and the disruption of the videoconferencing market with new products and services.
What I learned, or rather, what was emphasized throughout the conference was that the UC&C market is changing more now than it ever has before. We have moved from presentation-based corporate environments, designed by and for top executives to collaborative spaces, designed and demanded by the knowledge workers who utilize them for daily tasks. The large auditoriums and boardrooms are being enhanced (and sometimes replaced) with smaller “huddle” rooms where groups gather to collaborate on projects and ideas. Those huddle rooms need to connect to others, as well as the larger boardrooms and even to individuals. This evolution presents such a huge opportunity for technology integrators to work with these organizations on finding solutions that meet the needs of decision-based workflows as well as generational-based workplace demands.
The main propeller of utilizing collaborative technology in the enterprise is no longer travel cost savings or green initiatives, but rather adapting to the way people WANT to work. Consumerization is the main driver of this. No one wants to book a room in advance, have the AV guy (or girl) on standby, read a manual or troubleshoot anything. They want to bring their device or devices and communicate as simply as FaceTime or Skype has allowed them to do so.
If the quick poll of Wainhouse attendees on devices in possession is any indication (the “winner” had six), enterprises and educational institutes need to focus not just on BYOD, but BYODs(!) and the more importantly, the bandwidth necessary to support.
The question is, what are people doing with all these devices and the applications associated (BYOA)? Smart phones and tablets have become our weapons — the “Swiss Army knife” of our daily lives, allowing for everything from calls and texts to gaming and social media. Wainhouse has been following how people use devices and the research shows a continual increase in usage for audio, web and videoconferencing on the device. Additionally, cloud archival, streaming and instant messaging are becoming much more prevalent through various free applications. For the enterprise, this means not only greater collaboration and sharing internally, but also the opportunity for more B2C communication. With the prevalent use of social media and everyone having advice and opinions, businesses must communicate directly with consumers to maintain relevancy.
So, with consumers at the enterprise level and their cultivation of these “weapons,” IT departments have not been equipped with the resources to support them. How do we, as hardware and service providers adapt to the needs of IT? This includes building more robust networks, providing products that not only address the disparateness of devices, but also provide metrics/analytics on usage and adoption. Today, integrators have numerous tools available to provide these kinds of services, but you must be engaged with the right people and asking the right questions to have the right opportunities.
What about higher education? The current administration has a major emphasis on accessibility of post-secondary education for all Americans. President Obama set a goal that by 2020, America would once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.
Ellen Wagner, executive director of WCET likens this “Edudotcom Boom” to similar booms (and later busts) the U.S. has experienced in technology and real estate. Today, government subsidized debt fuels much of higher ed growth. Consumers are also bearing the weight of cost increases. In fact, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, student loan debt continues to grow, now surpassing credit card and auto-related debts in the U.S. How will higher education institutions keep up with the demand while still remaining relevant AND affordable? For those with commercial interests in higher education, be aware of trends towards MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and competency-based learning. These trends move away from the traditional classroom environment, no matter how “tech-savvy” those rooms might be, and into a virtual environment that’s more accessible to more students.
Wagner encourages us to think like an “educatian” vs. an educator, and look at the mission and vision of the higher education institutions (not to mention backing government policies) when developing technology maps and plans for the future. Recording, streaming and archiving of content will continue to be of monumental importance for higher education to scale. Of lesser importance will be the institution in which one attends (sorry, Ivy League), but rather what a student can perform based on what he/she has learned. No matter how many fewer boxes it takes to set up the AV in a classroom today, in order to plan for the future, we must help colleges and universities to understand how to engage students in new and unique ways for scalability and affordability.
Videoconferencing certainly has a play here, in higher education as well as at the enterprise, to facilitate the face to face collaboration the market continues to demand. Interestingly enough, only 5 percent of said addressable market is even utilizing videoconferencing and studies have shown (thank you, Wainhouse) that even that 5 percent only uses videoconferencing technology 20 percent of the time. This begs the question, what industry would even exist with these metrics?
The aforementioned FaceTime and Skype have brought the concept of videoconferencing out of the boardroom/classroom and to the masses, but we still haven’t seen the “pervasiveness” of video we’ve been talking about for so long. So, why now? With the evolution of video switching architectures and upgrades to ITU video standards (H.265), it’s possible to do more with less… less infrastructure, less cost, less bandwidth = more opportunity for video at multiple levels.
Now, not every codec or application is standards-based, and today every environment seems to contain a heterogeneous assortment of hardware. Due to this, perhaps the most exciting development, or disrupter, is VaaS, Video as a Service. By eliminating the need for costly infrastructure (and the ongoing service agreements that accompany it), a campus or enterprise can associate video as an OppEx vs. CapEx expenditure. This also allows for cross-platform communication and functionality. At this year’s InfoComm alone, there were at least five new start-ups (supported mostly by ex-TANDBERG/Cisco executives and engineers) who were presenting varying levels of VaaS to the market – and those are just the ones focused on the AV market!
Unified communications is certainly driving video-based communications at the desktop level with simple user interfaces and mobile applications. Microsoft is leading the way with Lync in terms of market share in this space. Video isn’t something that has been quite as widely adopted here, although the opportunity is there. Today, the bandwidth required for quality of calls as well as the necessary peripherals keep the video piece from wider adoption. A huge opportunity is development of UCaaS to seamlessly integrate the video, audio and web portions of conferencing to a more robust system, thus creating a more fluid user experience.
Overall, I believe the future of UC&C for technology integrators is bright. We must learn how to take what we know and apply it to the future when we develop technology plans for our customers. For the most part, a customer doesn’t know what’s possible unless you help them see how technology can solve their problems today and meet their goals for the future, even assisting in those goals as true partners do.
Please take the time to explore Wainhouse’s site for further insight into this expanding industry. Create a user account and register at cp.wainhouse.com for access to press releases, forecasts and whitepapers. And plan to attend next year’s summit! AV is a huge part of the collaborative technologies and we, as AV professionals, need to further engage in the opportunities associated.
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2013 Best of InfoComm Awards
Welcome to rAVe’s annual Best of InfoComm Awards! This year’s InfoComm show, held last month in Orlando, Florida, was one of the best — or, actually, the best if you’re measurement is attendance. But, attendance aside, the amount of new technology and product innovation was more than the past three or four years, combined. It’s clear that most manufacturers see the next few years as promising and growth oriented.
But, because there were so many new products and technologies shown at the 2013 version of InfoComm, it made our job harder. There were more products to consider than in recent memory. Considering all this, those that did win should be proud of their accomplishment as they, obviously, represent the best-of-the-best. So, congratulations!
Click each link below to see the winner and read about the product.
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Vaddio Debuts IP Audio and Video Streaming Support for AV Bridge
Vaddio’s AV Bridge is a room-based, HD media streaming box for USB and IP streaming of content originating from traditional audio and video equipment. The AV Bridge is designed for ProAV applications, offering a flexible audio and video interface all controllable from an embedded web server or front panel menu. A/V Bridge accepts video input resolutions from standard definition (480i/NTSC and 576i/PAL) to HD 1080p/60 in HDMI and YPbPr including wide- screen VESA type resolutions (RGBHV) and incorporates stereo audio inputs.
The USB streaming functions using MJPEG (Motion JPEG) and standard UVC (USB Video Class) with UAC (USB Audio Class) drivers eliminating the need for installation of custom software drivers on the host PC. The IP streaming uses RTSP and encodes H.264 Audio with AAC Audio (IP streaming in Release 2.0.0). The Ethernet port currently provides access to internal web pages for control, set-up and updating the AV Bridge.
Use the AV Bridge in lecture/capture recording applications or “bridge” video and audio signals into a PC for storage, editing, rebroadcasting meetings or worship services and retrofit existing meeting rooms by simply plugging a USB cable into a host PC or connecting to an IP network.
Here are all the specs.
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Sharp Launches LL-S201A 20″ MultiTouch Monitor
Sharp has debuted a unique-sized multi-touch LED that’s capable of being used flat, angled or handing on a wall. When flat, it can be used to mount in tables or lecterns in classrooms and when angled (75-degrees with the included stand). It can be used as a second computer monitor that’s touch-screen and interactive and when vertical, it could be used as a digital signage kiosk.
The 1920×1080 resolution LL-S201A uses an edge-to-edge glass design; it weighs in at just over 5 pounds and is 1″ thick. Sharp Pen Software makes the 20″ LCD like an AQUOS BOARD Interactive Display as it’s integrated with Windows 8 compatibility and a palm cancellation function prioritizes the touch of the pen over touch – making it easy for any sized hand or user.
Here’s a brochure on the LL-S201A [PDF].
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Lab.gruppen Intros New LUCIA Decentralized Installation Amplifier
The two-channel LUCIA (Localized Utility Compact Intelligent Amplification) from Lab.gruppen is a compact Energy Star compliant Class D amplifier platform with DSP in the smallest amplifier the company has ever produced. LUCIA is designed for small AV applications that don’t need a distributed system with centralized rack-mounted amplification, matrixing and processing.
The LUCIA is four models across two power configurations — 2x60W and 2x120W – each available with either four-in, four-out matrix-mixer and configurable DSP features (LUCIA 120/2M, LUCIA 240/2M) or in a basic two-in, two-out configuration (LUCIA 120/2 and LUCIA 240/2). While all models are equipped with DSP pre-configured ‘out of the box’ for operation in typical applications, the matrix also allows for USB connection (with Windows and Mac LUCIA configuration software) to unlock the full potential of the processing and mix-matrix to meet specific system requirements.
Conceivably, each LUCIA model could drive up to 16 speakers on a localized low-impedance system (eight per channel — if the loudspeakers were 16 ohms).
All the detailed specs are here.
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Extron Ships Speaker System for Suspended Ceilings
Extron’s new SpeedMount Ceiling Speaker System — a patented low profile, plenum rated two-piece ceiling tile speaker system — is now shipping. The CS 1226T SpeedMount speaker system features a unique design that Extron says greatly simplifies ceiling speaker installation and delivers significant time and cost savings. The two-piece system consists of the CS 120P plenum rated enclosure and a CS 26T two-way speaker cartridge. A low-voltage contractor places the CS 120P enclosure directly on the ceiling grid without the need for a tile bridge, C-ring, or tile rails. Signal wiring is then routed to the enclosure. This dramatically cuts installation time and costs during the rough-in phase. Later, an AV technician can quickly complete installation by connecting the CS 26T speaker cartridge to the wiring and securing it into the enclosure. The CS 1226T is the latest in Extron’s expanding lineup of speaker system solutions that divide the installation labor between contractors, reduce parts counts, and streamline sound system integration.
The CS 1226T is available as a complete assembly including a pair of CS 120P enclosures and a pair of CS 26T speaker cartridges. The enclosures and speaker cartridges can also be purchased in pairs separately, so they can be delivered to low-voltage and AV system contractors.
The CS 120P plenum enclosure installs quickly into 2′ x 2′ or metric 600 mm x 600 mm suspended ceiling grids. It features a shallow 5″ (12.7 cm) profile, which simplifies installation into congested ceiling spaces around piping and ducts. The integrated tile bridge of the enclosure rests on the ceiling tile above the grid, evenly distributing the weight of the CS 120P and the CS 26T speaker cartridge. This avoids the need to assemble V-rails and C-rings, greatly reducing the number of installation steps and the chances of losing installation hardware.
The CS 26T speaker cartridge features a 6.5″ (16.5 cm) woofer and a 3/4″ (1.9 cm) tweeter in a coaxial design, and can be used in 70/100 volt or 8 ohm operation. It installs quickly and easily into the CS 120P enclosure. The CS 26T delivers high performance, full-range audio reproduction with a frequency response of 70 Hz to 20 kHz, and is optimized for a wide range of audio presentation applications for music, program, and voice. It features a power rating of 30 watts continuous pink noise and 60 watts continuous program capacity, and offers both direct 8 ohm or 70/100 volt operation with a behind-the-grille, six position power selector switch. The CS 26T features a magnetically attached grille and a thin-edged bezel for a refined appearance on the ceiling.
All tage detailed specs are here.
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Atlas Sound Ships BlueBridge DSP Processor Line
Atlas Sound told rAVe last week that all models in the new BlueBridge family of DSP audio products are now shipping. The BlueBridge family of products feature drag and drop, open architecture software and can operate on any network. Each model utilizes high quality THAT microphone preamps and 24-bit converters to obtain ultra-low noise floor while still maintaining a smooth sound. BlueBridge models use a 40-bit Floating Point DSP engine to prevent digital clipping and to obtain maximum speed and power to process advanced algorithms in complex system designs. Models are available in configurations ranging from two I/O to 16 I/O with all models using the same DSP engine. Additionally, Atlas offers four models that feature Dante inputs/outputs allowing for true digital audio transmission over the network.
The BlueBridge platform also includes a system manager that allows for third party hardware integration and remote control and a 16-input / 16-output expansion box with Dante. A selection of wall controllers and touch panels will be released soon to complement the audio processors and allow for total system control and configuration capability.
Learn more here.
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Vivitek’s Newest Pico Projector Claims 500 ANSI Lumens
Vivitek’s Qumi Q5 is a WXGA (1280×800) resolution projector that claims 500 ANSI lumens and a 3500:1 contrast ratio. It’s a 1-chip DLP that uses the TI BrilliantColor chip and includes an HDMI port, a VGA port and a USB port that can play content directly to the projector without connecting a PC.
It weighs 1-pound and is 6″x1.3″x4″ and comes in five colors (black, white, yellow, red and blue). Complete specs are here.
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Atlas BlueBridge Designer and Panel Software Available
Atlas Sound announced last week that the first generation BlueBridge Designer and Blue Panel software packages — for use with BlueBridge DSP audio processors first shown at InfoComm — is already available for configurating systems. These software solutions are designed to give system integrators and designers the software interface to use in conjunction with BlueBridge DSP audio processors. The drag-and-drop architecture is designed to reduce design time and offers integrated features including dozens of DSP elements, an auto wire feature, exportable bill of materials, and wire naming capability available from a software interface.
Here are all the details.
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BenQ’s Interactive IL420 Touch Display Ships
BenQ America is now shipping its interactive IL420 touch-screen public information display (PID), featuring a six-point multi-touch technology on a 42-inch screen.
The 1920×1080 resolution, LED-lit IL420 interactive touch LCD display provides scheduling management functions and is optimized for portrait mode scenarios. It includes two built-in, 12-watt speakers, PiP/PBP capabilities, DisplayPort connectivity and RS232/LAN control. For larger signage installations, the device’s Multiple Display Administrator (MDA) application enables the control of up to 98 displays simultaneously through the local network. Brightness is specified at 400 cd/m².
The IL420 retails at a price of $2,499 and complete specs are here.
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Extron Ships HDMI/VGA Switcher with Integrated Fiber Optic Transmitter
Extron Electronics is now shipping the new FOX T USW 103, a three-input switcher with an integrated fiber optic transmitter for long haul transmission of HDCP-compliant HDMI, RGBHV, or HD component video (up to 1920×1200 or 1080p/60), stereo audio and RS232 control signals over fiber optic cabling. Analog AV input signals are digitized to ensure that a high quality signal is transmitted to the final destination. It offers features such as EDID Minder, Key Minder, audio embedding, auto-input switching, RS232 control, and real-time system monitoring. The compact, low profile FOX T USW 103 allows for discreet installation such as beneath a table or in a lectern.
The FOX T USW 103 is compatible with FOX Series HDMI, DVI Plus, DVI and VGA receivers. This transmitter can also be used in combination with FOX Series matrix switchers for HDCP-compliant signal distribution systems up to 1000×1000 and larger. To ensure system operability, EDID Minder manages EDID communication between sources and destinations, and Key Minder continuously authenticates HDCP encryption. It’s available in multi-mode and single-mode models.
For more information on the FOX T USW 103, click here.
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Acer Debuts K132 DLP LED Portable Projector
Acer’s new K132 is an LED-lit DLP pico projector measuring just 5.5″ (L) x 4.6″ (W) x 1.6″ (H) that claims over 500 ANSI lumens at WXGA resolution (1280×800). The contrast ratio spec is 10,000:1.
LED-based, the K132 has a long lamp life of 30,000 hours in Extreme Eco mode that reduces standby power consumption by up to 90 percent — from 5 watts to 0.5 watts. It also goes 20,000 hours in standard mode. LED lamps offer many benefits, including a longer lifespan with an always-available light source, instant on/off capability and better color saturation. With no breakable filaments or tubes, LED lamps are durable and reduce environmental impact, since there are no hazardous mercury or halogen gases.
All the specs are here.
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Christie Officially Announces 55″ with Gorilla Glass
Back at ISE in January, we shot a video of the first ever showing of the Christie FHD551-XG, a 55″ LCD that is integrated with Corning Gorilla Glass (making it virtually indestructible):
Well, at last month’s InfoComm show in Orlando, Christie officially launched the FHD551-XG and gave us a glimpse of the specs:
- Native 1920×1080 direct-LED lit LCD using commercial glass
- Bezel thickness of 1.8-mm (bottom/right) and 3.7-mm (top/left)
- 77 nits (cd/m2) brightness
- 3000:1 contrast ratio
- Lifespan of 50,000 hours
- HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA and two DVI inputs
- Control via RS232 or RS485
Here are all the details [PDF].
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Details Released on Christie Brio Wireless Room System
The Christie Brio is a totally wireless room system that allows up to five people to share their LCD or projection screens simultaneously. The output of Brio is two 2560×1600 (dual-link DVI-D — but can be converted to DisplayPort or HDMI) and stereo audio on 3.5 mm connectors. Inputs include up to two wired connections, five wireless inputs (from any resolution computer from 640×480 to 2560×1600 resolution), audio and all of it integrates support for HDCP.
Using Gigabit Ethernet, Christie’s Brio supports all major network protocols including IGMPv2, IPv4, IPv6, RTSP, SRTP, HTTP, TCP/IP and all wireless network streams are output at H.265 video at 30Hz. The five wireless devices are processed as network video streams @ 30Hz up to 20 Mbps per video stream.
One interesting feature of Brio that most of the other wireless room systems don’t have is the ability to connect remotely — one of the five network connection can come in remotely from another site. It also offers interactivity — the two displays at the front of the room can be multi-touch touch screens. All participants can use the interactive whiteboard to share and draw in realtime,regardless of geographic locations. Typically, one of the screens would play the content in full-screen mode while the second screen would be used to show the other four screens.
To better understand the Brio, watch this video we shot at InfoComm or read this article from the launch.
Here are all the technical specs.
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Extron Introduces H.264 Streaming Media Decoder
Extron’s new SMD 101 is a compact H.264 streaming media decoder used with Extron SME 100 encoders to provide complete end-to-end AV streaming systems. The SMD 101 is designed specifically for use in professional AV streaming applications to decode live AV streaming content from SME 100 encoders or to play back AV media files available from network shares. It accepts streaming resolutions up to 1080p/60 and outputs a variety of resolutions, from 640×480 up to 1920×1200. Fill/Follow/Fit aspect ratio management provides choices for managing streaming content that does not match the display. Although Extron doesn’t point this out in the press release, this could signal a move into the digital signage market as this would make a perfect DS player.
The SMD 101 is adaptable to different network conditions and streaming requirements offering both push and pull streaming configurations. Audio output signals are available as HDMI embedded audio as well as analog stereo audio, making it directly compatible with embedded display speakers or existing audio systems. The SMD 101 offers integration-friendly control capabilities including an optional handheld IR remote, wired IR, RS232 or Ethernet. And a Web interface provides simple, flexible control and management.
Here are all the details.
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RTI Debuts Line of Ethernet-Enabled Expansion Modules
Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) is now shipping a line of expansion modules for its XP series control systems including the RCM-4 relay control module, the ESC-2 serial control module and the PCM-4 I/O (four MPIO ports and 12-VDC voltage trigger output) port control module.
When used with RTI accessory devices, each MPIO port can provide IR routing capabilities, one-way RS232 communication and power sensing. The ESC-2 allows installers to add two additional bi-directional serial ports and the RCM-4′s four relays can be used in a normally open or closed configuration for control over everything from window shades to screen lifts. Additionally, the PCM-4 and RCM-4 units can be powered by the included power supply or Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Here are the complete details on their XP control system.
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BenQ MX661 BYOD Projector Launched
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is something you’ll read about a lot over the next 12 months. Why? Well, because it’s the latest buzzword and people in technology like to sound forward-thinking. So, it’s no surprise that BenQ is using the BYOD term to market the MX661′s multi-user connectivity wireless capabilities — something that’s been around for years in projectors from Barco, Christie and Sony. The MX661 is a 3000-lumen, 1-chip DLP XGA (1024×768) projector that when paired with the QPresenter app allows up to four participants to collaborate and share documents, photos and Internet content directly from their tablets to the projector.
Spec’d at 13,000:1 contrast ratio, the MX661′s inputs include VGA, HDMI and network content port. It’s integrated with BenQ’s SmartEco technology — when using the projector’s SmartEco mode, the MX661 automatically adjusts lamp power by up to 70 percent to use just the right amount of brightness, resulting in a 6,500 hours of lamp life. Another GreenAV feature is the projector’s “Eco Blank” mode that allows presenters to blank out the screen whenever projection isn’t needed, while a “No Source Detected” mode automatically lowers brightness to 30 percent when no display has been detected for more than three minutes. In “Standby” mode, the projector will lower power consumption to less than 0.5 W during periods of inactivity, providing even more energy savings.
The MX661 lists for $859 and all the detail are here.
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Survey Shows Nearly 70 Percent of Companies Lack Technology to Allow BYOD
Although there is widespread availability and a growing dependence on certain technologies like mobile devices in the corporate environment, according to a survey commissioned by Barco, business leaders still lack effective, user-friendly tools to facilitate collaboration in meetings.
While computing and AV equipment are common in meeting rooms, they don’t necessarily play well together. Technical issues, especially the lack of interconnectivity among devices, are inhibiting companies from fully migrating to a digital meeting environment. According to the survey of 572 North American business leaders, 69 percent of executives continue to rely on hard copies of presentations in the typical meetings they attend. In fact, paper usage outpaced newer technologies by a landslide, with only 28 percent of survey respondents using a presentation device to share content, and 23 percent using a tablet.
In the digital age, productive meetings are more than having the right attendees and an effective meeting leader. Business leaders often deal with a myriad of technical issues in the meetings they attend. Sixty-two percent of survey respondents say they face technical issues when trying to show or share information in meetings and 48 percent are challenged with effectively sharing information or visuals during meetings.
Although the survey indicated that the “Bring Your Own Device” or BYOD trend is gaining acceptance in many organizations, among executives that have a mobile device, 68 percent lack the technology to easily project content from their smartphone or tablet during a meeting. Another 15 percent can “sometimes” project content from a smartphone or tablet during a meeting, with 10 percent stating “yes,” but only if they have the correct adapters on hand. At the same time, more than two-thirds of business leaders state that the ability to easily project content from those devices in meetings would be useful.
While 43 percent of business leaders stated their company’s use of technology in meetings has increased in the last year, these individuals have an extensive “wish list” of technologies that they feel would make the meetings they attend more productive.
Topping the list is the desire for wireless/cable-less connectivity to the room’s projection screen or LCD, as expressed by 52 percent of survey respondents. When thinking about the ideal conference room for their company, 50 percent of business leaders also want easier connectivity with other mobile devices, while 41 percent look for connectivity to/from the participant’s seat. Thirty eight percent sought quicker start-up times.
Other meeting room technology wish list items include:
- Collaboration solutions that make it easy to share visuals/information from different computers, tablets and smartphones during the meeting (46 percent)
- Meeting software in which participants enter their comments and ideas during the meeting and the ideas are projected (41 percent)
- Video conferencing (39 percent)
- Voting tools (19 percent)
“For many organizations, the digital divide occurs between their offices and meeting rooms,” Lee said. “The good news for business executives and organizations that conduct a lot of meetings is that this divide is narrowing and there are new options available to enable meeting participants to take full advantage of technology in meeting rooms as they do in their offices.”
Complete findings from the 2013 Survey on the Obstacles to Effective Business Meetings, a blind survey of 572 North American business leaders conducted in May of 2013, are available here.
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Extron Intros GreenAV Power Controller
Extron’s new PC 101 is a one-input, one-output AC power controller that’s designed to provide remote power management for AV devices. When paired with a controller or control processor equipped with relays, such as the MediaLink MLC 226 IP or IP Link IPL 250, the PC 101 can be configured to turn a device ON or OFF at scheduled times for security and energy savings purposes. It features a contact closure control input and tally output, which can be used for visual feedback. The slim, compact form factor and IEC connectors on pigtails enable convenient in-line use with other devices and discrete mounting behind displays or other equipment. The PC 101 has a power rating of 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, allowing for worldwide compatibility.
Here are the product details.
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PMA’s Tracking Service Shows Top-Selling Projector Models in June Include Epson, InFocus and Mitsubishi
PMA Research has posted its most recent Projector Tracking Service results to the “Top-Selling Projectors” area of their website and we’ve created an infographic to help you graphically see the Top 5.
For more than 15 years now, PMA Research has collected monthly sell-through data from leading North American projector dealers, retailers, web resellers and distributors. Its Tracking Service family of monthly reports offers timely sell-through data and analysis on unit sales, true volume-weighted street prices, and inventories of front projectors for these channels.
Each month, PMA Research posts the Top 5 Projector Lists for the following product categories:
Pico and Personal Projectors – For Pico and Personal projectors, the June results showed that Optoma had two of the best-selling projectors in June. 3M took top honors with the best-selling MP410. Optoma filled the number two and three spots with the PK-320 and ML300. Vivitek’s Qumi Q2 came in fourth. AAXA rounded out the Top 5 list with its P3 Pico. This Top 5 list is compiled from data collected from PMA’s monthly Retail Projector Tracking Service sample, which is made up of North American retailers and web resellers.
Mainstream Projectors – For the Mainstream category, the June results showed that Epson and InFocus had multiple projectors on this Top 5 list. InFocus had the best-selling IN112, and also filled the number three spot with its IN114. Casio’s XJ-M250 took the number two spot. Epson rounded out the Top 5 with a pair of projectors, the PowerLite X12 and PowerLite 93+, in the fourth and fifth spots. This Top 5 list is compiled from data collected from PMA’s monthly Distributor Projector Tracking Service sample, which is made up of North American distributors.
High-End Projectors – For High-End projectors, the June 2013 results showed Mitsubishi taking top honors. For the second month in a row, Mitsubishi filled the top two spots with the WD720 and XD700. Epson filled the final three spots with its PowerLite Pro G5450WU, the PowerLite 1945W and PowerLite Pro G6050W. This Top 5 list is compiled from data collected from PMA’s monthly Pro AV Projector Tracking Service sample, which is made up of North American dealers and integrators.
PMA can be found here.
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ED [Education] out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: We run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
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Everything we publish is opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship publication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition is co-published with CEDIA, covering the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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