|
Volume 7, Issue 1 — January 15, 2013
|
| | |
| | |
Manual Control
By Joel Rollins
rAVe Columnist I sit here after the holidays, with (as usual) a list of people that I forgot to get gifts for, but I have figured out the gift that I am going to give everyone this year.
For 25 years, I have been everybody’s tech support. My relatives, my employees, my friends all call me when they can’t figure out something with the massive suite of electronics that each person in this world is acquiring. Their home entertainment systems, their computers, their PDAs, their GPS devices… The list goes on and on.
I think every audiovisual company has someone in that role. There’s always the one guy or girl that we go to when someone has to figure out something new. I spent most of my life in the staging industry, which means we have to get a device on Monday and be an expert in its use on Tuesday for the show that happens Tuesday night.
There is a “secret” to this. We read the manual. That’s it.
The gift I’m giving them this year? Before I will help with a problem, I am sending them back to look in their manuals. I recommend that all of us in that “underground technical support” position do the same. I’ll tell them what page to look on in their manual, but I’m going to make them look in the book. And if they didn’t get a book, I’m going to tell them they should look for other products. Period.
I’m doing it because I think our industry is getting a false reputation for dumbing down. Manufacturers and distributors are beginning to think of YouTube videos and help files as being a substitute for a real manual. They are not.
Why do they think this? Because often they don’t know that guy or gal who is the internal technical support. That is largely because small companies typically don’t have a role like chief technology officer. So when manufacturers talk to end-user technicians, they’re going to tell you that they don’t read the manual. What they are not going to tell you is that Bob the rental manager, or at the service bench (or in accounting for that matter) does, and that when they have a problem they ask Bob first. They may not even know that that's where Bob gets his vast knowledge. But for the vast majority of users, somewhere along the line, there’s a Bob.
And, for those of us in the Bob role, I am going to start encouraging the demand for better documentation.
So, for those of you who are making or distributing products, let me give you some hints as to what makes adequate documentation (or does not).
- Adequate documentation is only very, very rarely written by the engineers. They are far too close to the product, and take too much knowledge for granted. While they make contributions of information, they should not be in charge of manual development, or of determining what represents an adequate manual.
- A document that goes over the menus and icons one-by-one, defining them, is NOT a manual.
- A real manual has at least one section that is task-oriented. Look for sections like “To begin a recording” or “Setting the device up on a network,” that goes step-by-step through how to accomplish given tasks with the new gear.
- A real manual has a glossary; not every buyer will be familiar with every term used in your instructions. Manuals should be tested by knowledgeable, but inexperienced users before they are released. A user should be put in a room with a product and a manual and required to perform basic tasks with the product. If they fail, so does your manual.
- Sending people to the help file or online videos from the manual is cheating — it’s an excuse, in my opinion, for publishing an incomplete document. And only very rarely have I seen it actually provide all the information that was necessary. And on more than a few occasions, I have seen them not actually be there, as the mention of them was put in the manual before the product was released.
- YouTube is a particularly bad place to put instructional video, even though you all seem in love with it because it’s easy, free and will accept your poorly-produced videos. The real problem with YouTube is that it leads users astray. Not only are your videos about your product there, so are hundreds of end-user videos, which will show up next to yours, and often be incorrect.
There’s an old saying that “The project isn’t finished until the paperwork is done,” and nowhere is it more true than in product documentation. I have many, many colleagues who complain privately about the quality of documentation. I’m telling them all, this year, to begin sending their users back for real manuals.
And as to your YouTube based instructions? Bah, Humbug.
rAVe Rental [and Staging] contributor Joel R. Rollins, CTS, is general manager of Everett Hall Associates, Inc. and is well known throughout the professional AV industry for his contributions to industry training and his extensive background in AV rental, staging and installation. Joel can be reached at joelrollins@mac.com
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top |
Click above to learn more |
Sharp to Ship 90-Inch LCD in March We're only days away from the launch of the Sharp PN-R903 90" class (90-1/16" diagonal), the largest LED backlit LCD in the world. When set to portrait mode, the PN-R903 stands an amazing 6 feet 8 inches tall, creating imagery that is literally life-size. That's the equivalent of a 2×2 video wall using two 46" displays.
Sharp says it's designed for 24/7/365 operation so it can be used in both installs as well as rentals. It's 1920x1080p native HD resolution, but does weigh over 115 pounds. Based on the design of the consumer version that will ship later this month, the PN-R903 is LED backlit, can be controlled via RS232 or Ethernet, plus has HDMI, VGA and DVI ports. A 60-inch model (PN-R603) and a 70-inch version (PN-R703) are also planned for release in February.
Check out all the specs here: http://www.sharpusa.com
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top |
Click above to learn more |
ClearOne Releases New Wireless Microphone System for Installed Audio Products ClearOne's new WS800 Digital Wireless Microphone System, part of the company's installed audio conferencing product line, uses radio-frequency digital wireless signal transmission technology with secure encryption. It's optimized to work with CONVERGE Pro and INTERACT Pro products.
The WS800 system includes four new models of wireless microphones/transmitters and a base-station receiver with either four or eight channels that connects to professional audio mixers. The WS800 system offers features such as:
- Multiple RF bands (902 to 928 MHz, 710 to 740 MHz, 603 to 630 MHz) for any application
- ClearOne's 24-bit digital signal processing for unmatched, crystal-clear audio
- 256-bit encryption (conforming to US Govt. AES specifications) for robust security
- Ability to daisy-chain up to a 32-channel system to support large venues
- Rechargeable and field-replaceable standard AA batteries for flexible power options
- Docking station to provide convenient recharging and storage
The WS800 ships in January. Here are all the specs: http://www.clearone.com/products_conferencing_microphones |
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Sony Intros Two New Install Projectors Sony two newest projectors are the VPL-FH36 and VPL-FH31, which are both 3LCD projectors designed for installs and rentals. They are spec'd with 5,200 lumens and 4,300 lumens (non-ANSI) brightness, respectively, and a 2000:1 contrast ratio. Offering native WXGA resolution (1920×1200), these projectors have HDMI, VGA, DVI and RGBHV input ports, have Ethernet content delivery and control and include up to vertical optical lens shift of +60% -0% and horizontal optical lens shift of +/-32%.
Both models are available in white or black enclosures and have PIP and Picture by Picture Image Projection.
Here are the specs of the VPL-FH31: http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/product-VPLFH31/W/
Here are the specs for the VPL-FH36: http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/product-VPLFH36/W/
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top |
Click above to learn more |
AmpliVox Sound Adds Rechargeable Battery Pack for Mity-Meg Megaphone AmpliVox Sound Systems has introduced a new rechargeable battery pack option for its updated Mity-Meg Plus (S602M) 25-watt megaphone. The company says the quick-charging S1405 lithium-ion battery pack replaces conventional alkaline batteries to maintain the Mity-Meg’s sound amplification for up to 40 hours of typical use. The battery pack also weighs far less than conventional batteries, making the Mity-Meg Plus lighter and easier to use for extended periods.
The new S1405 battery pack offers a number of advantages to alkaline batteries, including:
- Reduced Weight: The new Mighty-Meg Plus with the optional S1405 lithium-ion battery pack weighs just 2.65 pounds, 30 percent less than a comparable model with disposable batteries.
- Longer Battery Life: With up to 40 hours of use time per charge, the S1405 easily surpasses the use time of alkaline batteries.
- Lower Operating Cost: The S1405 eliminates the need to frequently replace disposable batteries.
- Green Conscious: Rechargeable batteries are an environmentally friendly choice, reducing the number of toxic disposable batteries in landfills.
- Always Ready: The S1405 holds its charge when not in use for up to six months, and can be fully charged from any power outlet in four hours using its integrated wall charger.
The Mity-Meg Plus is AmpliVox’s most powerful megaphone, with an effective range of up to one mile. Using Piezo microphone technology, it delivers up to 40 percent longer battery life than other megaphones. The Mity-Meg’s plastic construction is weatherproof and shockproof. It can be used in talk, siren and whistle modes with adjustable volume control. The Mity-Meg Plus also includes an integrated battery level indicator, detachable corded mic, pistol grip and shoulder strap.
For more information on the AmpliVox S602M Mity-Meg Plus and the S1405 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, visit http://blog.ampli.com/2012/12/rechargeable-megaphone-with-optional-battery-pack.html or http://www.ampli.com/pdf/spec-s602m.pdf
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Extron Introduces Long Distance HDMI Twisted Pair Extender Extron's new DTP HDMI 330 is a long-distance transmitter and receiver set for long distance transmission of HDMI, audio and bi-directional RS232 and IR control signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single CATx cable. The HDCP-compliant extender provides an effective means for extending HDMI with embedded multi-channel audio from HDMI-equipped devices. In addition, the DTP HDMI 330 accepts analog stereo audio signals and digitizes them for simultaneous transmission over the same twisted pair cable.
The DTP HDMI 330 is compatible with CAT5e, CAT6 and CAT7 twisted pair cable and can be used as a point-to-point solution or integrated with an HDMI matrix switcher to extend inputs or outputs to remote locations. It supports signal resolutions up to 1080p/60 and 1920×1200 and supports HDMI specification features including data rates up to 6.75 Gbps, Deep Color up to 12-bit, 3D, HD lossless audio formats and CEC. For added flexibility, either the transmitter or receiver can be powered over the original twisted pair cable, allowing both devices to share one external power supply.
Here are all the specs: http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=dtphdmi330
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Sony Launches S-Series LCDs Sony introduced this week the new S-series LCD line, which completes the company's transition from CFL-based backlighting to LED-based backlighting for its LCD displays. The S-series is available in both 42" (FWD-S42H2) and 46" models (FWD-S46H2) and utilizes an edge-lit LED. They are specified at 700 cd/m2 brightness and are integrated with DICOM simulated gamma settings for medical reference use. They have both VGA and HDMI inputs as well as HD-SDI/SDI. Control is RS232 or Ethernet and the displays can be mounted in portrait or landscape orientation.
Here are the specs for the FWD-S42H2: http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/product-FWDS42H2/
Here are the specs for the FWD-S46H2 http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/product-FWDS46H2/
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top MXL Adds Wireless Microphone Technology To Its Field Recording Line MXL Microphones' new FR-500WK is basically a kit comprised of the FR-500WT Transmitter and the FR-500WR Receiver, plus accessories geared toward DSLR users. The MXL FR-500WK lets videographers add audio to video without the need for cables.
The FR-500WK Wireless Audio System is designed for interviews and field reporting, with a range of up to 280 meters in a straight line of view. Distinguishing features include easy access group and channel controls, a wide frequency response from 40Hz to 18kHz, and an Ultra High Frequency from 566.25 to 589.75. Other features include:
- 64 channel selections. (4 groups x 16 channels)
- LED lights indicate different channel groups.
- Long transmission range: up to 280m in line of sight
- Long battery life (2x AA): up to 10 hrs
The FR-500WT Transmitter has a built-in microphone, 1/8" (3.5 mm) mic jack and line in. A discreet omni lavalier microphone is included. The FR-500WR Receiver has a built-in speaker, 1/8" (3.5 mm) headphone jack and line out. A hot shoe adapter and a 1/8” to 1/8” cable are included to mount the receiver on top of a DSLR camera. A 1/8” to XLR male cable and ¼” adapter are included to connect the receiver to mixers and other pro audio gear. Additionally, the receiver can be used with headphones and a recording device.
Here are all the details: http://www.mxlmics.com/microphones/Kits/
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top PreSonus Announces PRM1 Precision Reference Microphone PreSonus' new PRM1 reference (measurement) microphone is special type of condenser mic that is designed to provide an accurate reproduction of a room's sound characteristics for use with audio-analysis tools, such as real-time analyzers (RTAs) and spectrographs.
The PRM1 employs a ¼" pre-polarized electret-condenser capsule. PreSonos claims it delivers a linear frequency response between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. Like most measurement mics, it has an omnidirectional polar pattern. Sensitivity is rated at -37 dB/Pa, EIN (A-weighted) at 26 dB, S/N ratio at 70 dB, dynamic range at 106 dB, and maximum SPL is at 132 dB SPL.
The mic has an all-metal chassis and comes with a clip, foam windscreen and hard case.
The PRM1 is expected to ship this month and will list for $79.95. Here are all the details: http://www.presonus.com/
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe Rental [and Staging] Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue! For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that's why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad). Don't like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below. To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas, Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I've been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don't think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition. Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe 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 Rental [and Staging] contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
|
|
|