Volume 7, Issue 10 — October 14, 2014
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RoomView Connected Displays
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
For years, I have been touting the advantages of getting your AV equipment on the network. I think I was one of the first people to use RoomView, certainly one of the first amongst the colleagues I regularly speak with. Yet, all this time I was missing out on a huge benefit of RoomView and particularly a system that Crestron calls RoomView Connected displays.
Let me take a step back to tell you how I ran upon it. We had been finishing up a summer install in our of classrooms. We had two projectors in the room, exact same model and exact same connection type (out of a DM-8×8, to a RMC-100). We were using the RMC-100’s serial port to control the projector. We have dozens of this exact install on campus, with the exception of different model projectors.
After a day of use, one of the projectors stopped responding to the RS232 commands. It would not turn on. Rebooting the projector and the RMC-100 did nothing. A few days later we saw similar things happening in a couple of other installs we did on campus over the summer. In those situations, the problems were random. Sometimes they would turn on; sometimes they would not. Sometimes they would turn off; sometimes they would not.
We rushed through all types of troubleshooting, and did everything we could think to do. Nothing worked and calls to NEC and Crestron had them pointing their fingers at the other. Of course, this is in the first few days of classes when things are at a fast pace and tensions are very high. So, I was working on the system late one night, when I stumbled across a setting in the projector that said Crestron Control. I started investigating and found out that the projector I had was RoomView enabled.
I had heard about this several years ago, but had never really paid attention. I had always thought that this “simply” meant they could connect to RoomView without a control system. Since we had control systems in every room, there was no value to me. What I did not realize is that they also had a built-in plug into programming. Crestron provides a module in SIMPL that is called RoomView Connected display. It has more features than your typical projector module, and it is about 100 times easier and more intuitive to use. You drop it into your program and connect the in and outs. It has great feedback, including power state and lamp hours in text format. On the projector you just get into the network configuration and tell it the IP ID, and the IP address of your control system.
So, the beauty of this module is not its simplicity, even though it is amazingly simple. The beauty is that it is universal to any projector that is RoomView connected. So, this means that to replace a projector, all I need to do is hang the projector and use the remote to change a couple of network settings. That’s it. No more programming changes. No more RS232 pin out changes.
This works between makes of projectors as well as models of projectors. From my quick count, Crestron currently supports about 325 different models of projectors.
The nice thing from an installer’s perspective is that we no longer need to focus so much on a particular brand, because it is what we have all over campus. An avid reader of my column (if such a thing exists) would know that for awhile my organization has been thinking of switching to another manufacturer. The programming changes that would be needed have been a major deterrent. Not anymore, and we appreciate the freedom. The particular brand of projectors we use, also have programming built in for AMX. So, presumably, you can do the same thing with AMX systems. For me, this is a big enough deal that all projectors I spec out from now on will have RoomView Connected as a requirement. Leave a Comment
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DS in the Education Market
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
When thinking of selling digital signage to the K-12 market, many integrators would simply walk away. We all know the budget struggles of public schools, therefore we know that there is not excess money to spend on what may be seen as frivolous. Yet, there are some things you may not know, particularly if your child has been out of school for a few years. Communication is more important than ever in schools. Years ago, if a parent wanted to contact a teacher, or get information from a school, they were expected to visit the school and talk with the teacher. Not anymore. Today, parents expect to have the news pushed to them in a variety of ways, including social media.
Your first step as a salesperson is, as always, to do some research. If you have kids in school, think about the way the school communicates with you. What works, what does not? Go pick your kids up from school some day. Stand in the lobby and listen to what the parents are talking about. What are they interested in hearing from the school?
Next, think about what information can go on a regular cork board at the main entrance. I find digital signage that is simply a replacement of these boards to be a waste of time and money. Money being the critical waste in a public school budget. So, don’t try and sell the digital signage to a school as a replacement for the cork board. Kids (and teachers) actually like those boards.
My first suggestion is to think about and research ways in which schools are using the board as an educational tool. An example of this would be a class developing a set of slides for the board, explaining something they have worked on. My son’s class did a unit last year in which they raised fish over the winter, and released them in the late spring. They did this in conjunction with a local ecological group. Along with pictures of the growth and release of the fish, and research the class did, part of their assignment could be to develop a succinct set of slides to share with the school.
Another very important piece of information for parents is the current successes of the school. Driven by the No Child Left Behind Act, test scores, attendance numbers, graduation rates and many other metrics are now something that parents want to know. Showing schools way to highlight these numbers to parents and others visitors, encourages them to get more involved and ask more questions. This is something that schools want.
Think about the particular market you are selling to. For example, at a local private, catholic school there is a digital sign. It has two slides. One says, “Welcome to Saint Dominic Academy,” the next gives a thought of the week. The thought, with a religious connotation, is a very powerful message each week. The sign is placed in a very strategic location so that as you walk in the front door, it is very obvious. It has an effect that a handwritten poster could not.
Finally, remember to approach the schools with a starter system. It needs to be one that is very easy to use, and can be used by multiple people around the school. If you are giving the school a system that needs a half day of training, it is too much! They really need a system that is, essentially, self explanatory. Also, an investment of $2,000 is a lot of money for a school. So, don’t go into the school expecting to sell them a $10,000 server and $2,000 media boxes. Rather, explore the various options available on the market. Perhaps even selling them something that is very inexpensive, and you make your money on design and support. The last thing you want to think about is the scalability. Schools don’t want to feel suckered into a system at a low price, and then be told they need to come up with all kinds of money to expand. In the end, yes, it is a bit more challenging to sell a system to a K-12 system, whether public or private. Remember though, you are not just selling equipment. You are introducing the system to your company and their skills and abilities. Someday, they are going to build a new school, and need some AV systems installed. Wouldn’t you like to be the first company they think of? Leave a Comment
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TECOM Ships New Lectern TECOM’s new TecPodium Presenter HD is ADA compliant and equipped with electronically controlled lift. It’s integrated with a 24” wide-screen HD monitor with multi-touch capabilities and a complete integrated stereo audio system. With a new HD switching and scaling system coupled with built-in projector control, the TecPodium Presenter HD is designed to be a complete AV system that can be integrated or rolled into the room and used as needed. Aimed at both education and government applications, the switching includes HDMI, VGA, video, network and audio.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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VISIX Ships New Meeting Room SignsVisix’s new room sign line will display event schedules and room availability, but can also be used for mass alerts and interactive content. The signs are Microsoft Exchange compatible and are integrated with EMS by Dean Evans & Associates, Google Calendar, R25/25Live by CollegeNET and Delphi by Newmarket. Alternatively, you can use text file import for importing data.
One new feature is that you can see room availability at a glance with a large on-screen status light, and availability lights on each side that illuminate green when the room is available and red when it’s busy.
Both the 10- and 15-inch touch-enabled room signs can be surface mounted or recessed right out of the box with no additional hardware. Power over Ethernet lets you run one Ethernet cable to the room sign to supply both power and data, so you don’t have to worry about concealing power bricks.
Here are the full specs. Leave a Comment
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Aurora Adds 4K RF TunerThe new V-Tune Pro 4K from Aurora claims to deliver a 4K2K HD worldwide tuning solution for any integrated system which requires IPTV, ATSC, QAM, DVB, NTSC and PAL. The tuner is capable of decoding MPEG2, MPEG4, VC-1, H.264 and H.265 with resolutions up to 4096×2160 @ 60Hz via RF and LAN. There is also an on-board 4K scaler for viewing 1080p HD content on 4K displays.
The V-Tune Pro 4K includes IR, RS232 and IP-based control as well as the ability to program any channel for OTA/Broadcast or streaming content from the LAN, the V-Tune Pro 4K empowers the user to easily switch between content by simply changing channels. Channel/Setup-Configuration is “clone-able” for ease of setup
It doesn’t ship until January 2015 but here are some specs:
- IPTV (UDP/RTP/RTSP multicast and unicast)
- ATSC/QAM/DVB worldwide digital ultra high definition tuning
- NTSC and PAL analog tuning
- H.265, H.264, MPEG 4, MPEG2, and VC-1 up to 4K UHD
- Video and HDMI outputs
- Resolutions: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 4K UHD, 4K2K (4096×2160)
- Stereo L/R, S/PDIF, and Optical Audio Outputs
- Dolby Digital Surround Sound
- OSD Menus, Closed Captioning, V-Chip, and EPG
- 1RU Rack Mount Ears and IR Remote Included
- RS232 / LAN / IR Remote Control
- Firmware Upgradeable and Cloning via USB port or LAN
- Built in Web Page Remote Control
- Mount one or two units in a 1RU space
Here are the online details. Leave a Comment
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Barco Introduces 14K-Lumen Projector With Integrated with HDBaseT Barco has launched a new kind of projector with the RLM-W14, a three-chip DLP projector offering Active Stereo 3D, WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution, and a brightness level of 14,500 center lumens. This is the first three-chip DLP Barco projector that’s equipped with HDBaseT technology to provide video over a single Cat5 cable. The RLM-W14 is designed for fixed installation in small- to medium-sized venues. It’s housed in a rugged chassis with an optional rental frame to make it usable in the rental and staging market as well. Its TLD lenses are also compatible with Barco’s RLM-W12 projector, HDX and HDF projector lines.
Supporting point-to-point transmission of video signals up to WUXGA at 60 Hz from a source converter to a projector over a single Cat5 cable, the RLM-W14’s integrated HDBaseT technology eliminates the need for multiple cables and allows for signal distribution over a distance of more than 70 meters. Barco told rAVe it’s gradually integrating HDBaseT technology into its entire projector fleet. The RLM-W14 features a DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) simulated mode that guarantees accurate gray-scales and highly detailed images — key requirements for use in medical training and education applications.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Videovation Intros Stand-Alone H.264 EncoderThe Videovation VEN-3000 is a standalone H.264 video encoder designed for transmission of real-time video and audio signals over IP networks. And it enables multiple, user selectable compression algorithms depending on software and hardware configuration options.
The VEN-3000 encoder compresses a standard- or high-definition video source with accompanying audio signals for transmission over IP networks. The encoder accepts NTSC and PAL composite video formats with analog audio, HDMI video with embedded audio streams, as well as SDI/HD-SDI/3G-SDI video signals with embedded audio streams and AES/EBU audio signals.
The VEN-3000 is also available in a bidirectional codec configuration as single and dual encoder, or decoder configurations for unidirectional video/audio transmit for applications requiring high channel density in a small footprint (up to four HD and two SD V/A channels per 1 RU).
Here are more details on how it works. Leave a Comment
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New Extron Under-Table Mount System for Full Rack Width Products Now Shipping Extron is shipping its new UTM 100 Series of self-supporting under-table mount system for 1U and 2U full rack width products. The UTM 100 Series brackets feature EIA standard rack-mount spacing and are designed for use in environments where a traditional equipment rack or cabinet cannot be located beneath a table top or other furniture surface. The UTM 100 Primary Bracket mounts directly to the under-surface of the table top, providing a small gap for optimum airflow and cooling of top-vented enclosures. For additional capacity, one or more UTM 150 Secondary Brackets can be attached to the UTM 100, up to the total supported weight of 30 pounds. (13.6 kg).
The UTM 100 system works with most Extron full-rack width enclosures, as well as Extron RSF, RSB and RSU Series Rack Shelves, for optimum flexibility. UTM 100 Series mounts are finished in a durable gray powder coat finish to match other Extron products. Other Extron under-table mount solutions include the UTS 100 Series Under Table Shelf System for half rack width and smaller products, and ZipClip 100 and ZipClip 200 Mount Kits for one-eighth and one-quarter rack width products.
Here are all the options. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Fusion 10 Enterprise Building Management Software Ships Crestron claims it just got easier for IT, AV and facilities managers to optimize workspaces and building operations. Crestron today announced the release of its new Crestron Fusion 10 enterprise building management software that features new room utilization statistics and energy reports, including peak energy consumed in the space/room and energy category level, that make it easy to analyze historical usage data.
Crestron Fusion 10 can even gather historical reporting for meetings that were set up before Crestron Fusion 10 was even installed. If meeting rooms were selected using popular calendar programs such as Microsoft Exchange and Google Calendar, the new Backfill functionality in Crestron Fusion 10 can retrieve data such as room utilization, top organizers and meeting duration and then incorporate it in reports. You can immediately use this data to make decisions concerning new facilities or redesign of existing meeting spaces to meet the needs and usage patterns of knowledge workers.
From a centralized dashboard, Crestron Fusion 10 unifies the way organizations control, monitor, and manage building technology, orchestrate building and AV automation and control energy usage.
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Utelogy Intros U-Box Utelogy’s U-Box is a stand-alone AV control, management and analytics system for your single room deployments. U-Box is marketed as a budget-friendly way to deploy Utelogy and all the benefits it offers, without having to consider the entire campus or deploy the system enterprise-wide.
Features include:
- Plug-and-play capabilities to add various devices with “simple” provisioning (is provisioning ever simple?)
- Convenience and flexibility to quickly deploy an AV solution for classroom or meeting space
- Ability to experiment with room equipment and configurations
- Quickly reconfigure multi-purpose rooms when the need arises
With a high performance CPU and a 10 inch touch screen that is pre-loaded with Utelogy software, it has all the functionality that comes with the enterprise solution — but with a single room price.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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BenQ Ships MH630 Multi-Purpose Projector BenQ America today announced that it’s now shipping the latest addition to its Colorific line of projectors with the MH630. Aimed at boardrooms, classrooms or even home environments, the multi-purpose MH630 is a single-chip, 1080p DLP projector that uses a 6,500 hours of lamp and is spec’d to deliver 10,000:1 contrast ratio at 3,000 ANSI lumens.
To further lower TCO, the MH630 features BenQ’s SmartEco technology, which automatically adjusts lamp power to deliver up to 6,500 hours of lamp life and energy savings of up to 70 percent without any compromise to picture quality. To further reduce power consumption, an “Eco Blank” mode allows users to blank out the screen whenever projection isn’t needed, while a “No Source Detected” mode automatically reduces power consumption to 30 percent when no source has been detected for more than three minutes. With the “Auto Power Off” function, the unit automatically shuts down when not in use for 30 minutes, providing even more energy savings.
The MH630 projector lists for $1,799 and here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Enters Wireless Presentation/Collaboration Market with ShareLink 200If you’re using or spec’ing the Barco ClickShare or the Crestron AirMedia, you’re going to really like Extron’s ShareLink 200. Extron’s entry into the wireless presentation market is both a quad-screen (like most of the other systems), network-based presentation system AND a stand-alone wireless access point. Like most of the other systems out there, ShareLink allows for simultaneous display of presentations, images, documents and other content from up to four different personal devices (laptops, iPhones, Androids, tablets, etc), eliminating the need to constantly change sources during a meeting. Content from a single device shows full screen, and content from multiple devices appears simultaneously in four windows on the display. Any user can share content and control the presentation when it is set to collaboration mode. And, although Extron doesn’t specify it on its website, we are confident they are using the same AWIND technology that the other systems use.
In looking at the system details, Extron does have a handful of features that none of the others have. For example, the ShareLink 200 includes a moderator mode that allows for meeting leaders to “approve” content before projecting it, rather than it being a first-in-first-out/last-in-last-out type of system. A few other unique features are that the desktop software allows you to play back video files at 30 fps (instead of 15 fps) and you can actually “broadcast” content to up to four ShareLink receivers at the same time (for divisible meeting room applications). The mobile app has DropBox integration for allowing presentations to be played directly from the ShareLink App from DropBox. There is also an actual Wi-Fi access point built right into the ShareLink 200, so there is no need to integrate it into a corporate or campus network — you could have it as a parallel network running on its own.
Integrated with 1GB/s PoE (Power over Ethernet) networking and two front-panel mounted Wi-Fi antennas, the ShareLink 200 also has three USB ports so that you can connect keyboard and mouse for annotating (yes, it also has built-in annotation). You can connect a USB stick to the third port to allow for PowerPoint, video and file playback without a computer. It’s UL Plenum (2043) rated and lists for $1,690.
Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Middle Launches Compact Surge ProtectionThe new Series Protection and 2-Stage Compact Surge Devices from Middle Atlantic Products are both designed as compact stand-alone surge protectors — not rack-mountable — but is surface-mountable. The Series Protection system claims it absorbs surges without contaminating the system ground and manages against both under and over voltage events with automatic recovery that does not require a hard reset after a surge event, minimizing system downtime.
The new MOV protected 2-Stage unit has the same claims but also says it’s the industry’s most compact stand-alone surge protection device that deflects surge events from line to neutral without contaminating the system ground. It is designed to protect against both over and under voltage events and its two-stage technology provides enhanced surge protection. And, fire-protected components eliminate the risk of fire associated with surge events.
Both of these devices can power and protect displays, extenders, digital signage players and more, while their ultra compact size makes them ideal for installation behind flat panel displays, in furniture, within ceiling and wall boxes or in a traditional rack already filled with components.
Here are specs on both. Leave a Comment
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Mackie Introduces Six New Compact Mixers Mackie today announced its new Mix Series Compact Mixers with three models, the Mix5 5-Channel Compact Mixer, the Mix8 8-Channel Compact Mixer and the Mix12FX 12-Channel Compact Mixer with Effects. Mix Series mixers are the most affordable mixer produced by Mackie.
The Mix5, Mix8 and Mix12FX compact mixers feature the right mix of I/O, EQ and routing for applications that don’t require a lot of inputs or multiple racks of output. Ideal for singer/songwriters, small band rehearsals or instrumentalists on the go, Mix Series mixers deliver high-quality Mackie pre-amps and electronics in proven high headroom, low-noise designs. Additionally, Mix12FX offers a selection of 12 integrated effects including reverbs, choruses and delays to easily create mixes that sound great. Each model features an all-metal chassis, high-quality components and a sleek rugged design that’s built to last.
Mackie Mix Series compact mixers are already shipping and the Mix5 lists for $69.99 and the Mix8 lists for $109.99 and the Mix12FX lists for $159.99 and their specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Barco Intros Present-C Line With 10 New Single-Chip DLP Projectors Barco has introduced 10 new corporate AV projectors under the brand Present-C. Present-C projectors are all single-chip DLP projectors with brightness levels ranging from 3,000 up to 8,000 lumens. Resolutions include 1080p, WUXGA, Panorama and WQXGA, with all models spec’d at low noise dB levels.
Here are all the announced models, with additional specs and links to more information:
- CVHD-31B: 3,000 lumens, Full HD 1920x1080p
- CVWU-31B: 3,000 lumens, WUXGA (1920×1200)
- CTHD-61B: 5,500 lumens, Full HD 1920x1080p
- CTWU-61B: 5,500 lumens, WUXGA (1920×1200)
- CTPN-41B: 3,800 lumens, Panorama (2560×1080)
- CTWQ-51B: 5,000 lumens, WQXGA (2560×1600)
- CNHD-81B: 7,500 lumens, Full HD (1920×1080)
- CNWU-81B: 7,650 lumens, WUXGA (1920×1200)
- CRPN-62B: 5,500 lumens, Panorama (2560×1080)
- CRWQ-72B: 7,000 lumens, WQXGA (2560×1600)
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FSR Extends Line of Table Box Offerings with Introduction of T3-DV2S FSR’s new T3-DV2S Table Box integrates connectivity for HDMI and AC power. The T3-DV2S allows users to power and connect their laptop or any HDMI source to an external video display and house sound systems as well as connect with network, phone lines and other AV system infrastructure.
All T3-DV2S models are HD ready with an HDMI pass-through connector, standard grounded AC outlet and openings for two keystone snap-in connectors. The two keystone openings, supplied with two blanks, can be populated with a variety of snap-in connectors including network, telephone, RCA or mini stereo audio, to custom configure the units to suit unlimited applications. A large selection of keystone style snap-in connectors, including USB DC powered charging stations to charge digital mobile devices, are available separately from FSR.
There are options for one or two button momentary switches / bi-color LED arrangements on the cover bezel that enable user control input and status indication for an external control system application. Screw down terminals are provided for cable termination. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Videotel Ships Industrial Looping DVD Player For Simple Digital Signage Installs Videotel’s new HD2600 Industrial Looping DVD Player, designed as a simple digital signage solution, is a UL-approved DVD offering seamless Auto On, Auto Play, Auto Repeat and Auto Loop without any manual interaction. Capable of continuous 24/7/365 play, the HD2600 is a commercial-grade looping DVD player designed for rugged use and displays video content on any screen with video, s-video and HDMI outputs.
It reads digital data stored on DVD and CD discs such as DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, Video CD, SVCD (Super Audio CD), CD-R/RW, CD-Audio, JPEG, MP3, and Kodak Picture CD. It also supports MP3 playback recorded in CD-RW and DVD-RW discs, as well as MP3 Playback (ID3 TAG), WMA, SACD Multi-channel decoder(Optional) CD layer of Hybrid SACD, SVCD and MPEG-4/Divx ASP.
In the world of digital signage, sometimes simple is better, and putting video and data content on a DVD and just looping it is pretty darn simple. For those types of clients, this is a good solution.
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Antelope Audio Introduces MP32 32-Channel Microphone PreamplifierAntelope Audio is launching the MP32, a 32-channel, console-grade microphone preamplifier with integrated software control. Housed in a 2U rack space, MP32 each of the class-A pre-amps on the MP32 feature phantom power and four of them can operate as Hi-Z instrument inputs. By using the MP32’s control panel (compatible with both Mac and PC), users can manipulate each of the unit’s input types and mic gain levels remotely.
Each preamplifier on the MP32 was designed to be what Antelope is calling open and transparent, introducing an increased level of sonic realism in recorded material. The unit offers excellent headroom and up to 65 dB of gain in 1 dB steps — more than enough power for even the most demanding ribbon mics.
The MP32 is scheduled to ship Q4 2014 and will list for $2,995 and here are the details. Leave a Comment
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R. L. Drake Aims to Simplify Multipoint Distribution for Public Education and Government Channels With New Encoders R. L. Drake today launched the PEG-NE24-IP, a stand-alone, single HD-SDI input MPEG-2 and H.264 digital encoder, designed to optimize multi-point media distribution for applications such as public education, government and sports. For those requiring an analog composite video input due to source equipment capability, Drake has also introduced the PEG-NE24-IP-C encoder, which includes composite video and audio inputs. Using the PEG-NE24-IP or PEG-NE24-IP-C, operators can efficiently transport video and audio signals from a local origination site back to the head-end or hub location so that they can be rebroadcast to cable subscribers, significantly lowering operational expenses while still meeting franchise obligations. The PEG-NE24-IP and PEG-NE24-IP-C encoders will be on display at the Drake booth 1710 at SCTE Cable Tec Expo, Sept. 22-25 in Denver.
The PEG-NE24-IP and PEG-NE24-IP-C can produce HD and a secondary SD program from one single HD source and output them via an SFP interface that includes copper and fiber output options, depending on the SFP module chosen by the user. A second RJ45 10/100 Ethernet port is provided for control and monitoring, which can also be configured to stream video.
Using the PEG-NE24-IP or PEG-NE24-IP-C, broadcasters can encode and stream video content in the MPEG-2 or H.264 format and PCM-embedded audio in Dolby Digital, MPEG1-Layer 2 stereo, or AAC stereo. Capable of outputting resolutions of 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i, the encoders ensure superior video quality.
Powered by a separate 110V AC power supply, the PEG-NE24-IP encoder provides operators with a small, modular, desktop solution that is compact.
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Kramer Intros WP-577VH Wall Plate Transmitter Kramer Electronics’ WP-577VH is a two-gang wall plate CATx switcher transmitter for HDMI, VGA and stereo audio with support for RS232 data and control. Kramer says the unit automatically switches to the last connected input and transmits the signals to a compatible DGKat (Kramer’s cable) twisted pair receiver such as the TP-578H. Stereo audio can be either embedded into the signal (HDMI or VGA) or transmitted over blank video.
The WP-577VH includes optional remote power over CATx cable (Power Connect Plus). K-Link compatibility gives wide flexibility to RS232 to either, control remote devices, be controlled by Kramer Protocol 3000 or to send data to remote, external RS232 devices.
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BenQ Aims at Small-to-Medium Space with New M5 Series Projectors BenQ America today announced it is now shipping the newest generation of M5 Series projectors including the MX525, MS524 and MW526, all aimed at the small- to medium-sized (SMB) spaces. Each offer a 3,200 ANSI lumens spec, 10,000 hours of lamp life and Colorific image quality.
By combining native SVGA (MS524), XGA (MX525), and WXGA (MW526) resolutions with a 13,000:1 contrast ratio, BenQ’s newest M5 Series features BenQ’s power-saving SmartEco technology to increase lamp life up to an astonishing 10,000 hours — dramatically reducing both power consumption and maintenance costs. By automatically adjusting projection brightness to ambient light conditions, the technology allows any home, school, or enterprise to reduce energy consumption without compromising picture quality. To further increase energy efficiency, a “standby” mode allows the M5 Series projectors to lower power usage to less than 0.5 watts during periods of inactivity.
Not only are all three projectors 3D-ready, but the M5 Series enables both audio in and out, S-Video, composite video in, RS232 and HDMI connectivity.
Now shipping, BenQ’s new MS524, MX525 and MW526 retail at $489, $529 and $749, respectively, and all the details are here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Now Shipping Compact HDMI to HDMI Scaler Extron has started shipping the DSC HD-HD – a compact HDCP-compliant scaler that converts between HDMI resolutions and frame rates. It accepts video from 480i up to 1920×1200, 1080p and 2K, and offers high performance upscaling and downscaling with multiple output rates up to 1920×1200, including HDTV 1080p/60 and 2K. The DSC HD-HD features Extron’s video signal processing with 1080i deinterlacing and Deep Color processing for optimal image quality. Integrator-friendly features include an on-screen display, test patterns and EDID Minder. Remote configuration and control are also available via USB.
Here are the product details. Leave a Comment
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Sennheiser Launches Dante Card for Digital 9000 Sennheiser is launching a Dante card for the EM 9046 receiver — making its Digital 9000 microphone system Dante audio-over-IP capable. Users can route the system’s high-definition audio data via Audinate’s Dante Controller.
As you may already know, Dante works with existing network infrastructure using IP and Ethernet standards and offers hundreds of channels of audio.
The EM 9046 DAN extension card is simply inserted into the expansion slot of the EM 9046 eight-channel receiver. Internally, the card features sixteen audio inputs to send the digital audio and command signals over the Dante network. Connection is via two Gbit RJ45 sockets that serve to establish two redundant network circuits or daisy-chain the signals. The card works with sampling rates of 44.1/48/88.2 and 96 kHz at a resolution of 24 bits. The EM 9046 DAN will be available from mid-October.
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VESA’s New DisplayPort 1.3 Standard Pushes Bandwidth to 32.4 Gbits/secThe Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) announced the release of the DisplayPort 1.3 audio / video (A/V) standard. An update to the widely used DisplayPort 1.2a standard, this latest version increases the maximum link bandwidth to 32.4 Gbps, with each of four lanes running at a link rate of 8.1 Gbps/lane-a 50 percent increase from the previous version of the DisplayPort standard. Allowing for transport overhead, DisplayPort’s 32.4 Gbps combined link rate delivers 25.92 Gbps of uncompressed video data.
The increased bandwidth enables higher resolution monitors, including recently announced 5K monitors (with pixel resolutions of 5120×2880) using a single DisplayPort cable without the use of compression. It will also enable higher resolutions when driving multiple monitors through a single connection using DisplayPort’s Multi-Stream feature, such as the use of two 4K UHD monitors, each with a pixel resolution of 3840×2160, when using VESA Coordinated Video Timing.
DisplayPort 1.3 continues to support video conversion to VGA, DVI and HDMI. DisplayPort 1.3 adds support for HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0 with CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), which enhances DisplayPort’s utility for television applications, including 4K video with copy protection. The new standard adds support for the 4:2:0 pixel structure, a video format commonly used on consumer digital television interfaces, which enables support for future 8Kx4K displays.
DisplayPort 1.3 also enhances DisplayPort’s value for multi-function interfaces that combine data transport, A/V transport and other capabilities on a single cable. It further refines protocols that enable DisplayPort to share a single cable with other data types. With its higher 8.1 Gbps per-lane link rate, DisplayPort 1.3 can support a single UHD monitor with 60Hz refresh and 24-bit color over two lanes, while assigning the remaining two lanes to increase capacity for alternate data types, such as SuperSpeed USB data, as allowed in DockPort. DisplayPort is the A/V transport standard used by DockPort, Thunderbolt and other wired and wireless multi-function interface standards.
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Aviom Announces New A320 Personal Mixer Aviom’s A320 Personal Mixer is an affordable personal mixer designed for use with in-ear monitors as well as headphones. The A320 features is reminiscent of the old mixers in that is has no menus to navigate, no complex programming, no computer required — just buttons and knobs.
The A320 utilizes a 32-channel mix engine for mixing up to 16 mono or stereo sources. The A320 includes an interesting Stereo Placement control introduced originally on the Aviom A360, but in a simplified version that combines the pan and spread of stereo signals into a single control. This allows both mono and stereo sources to be positioned in the stereo field of the mix as a whole, significantly improving the user experience with in-ear monitors and headphones, while providing the most streamlined user interface.
The A320 also offers per-channel volume, mute, and solo, as well as the same three-band master tone controls found on the A360. Each A320 can store up to eight mix snapshots — saved in the first eight channel button locations — plus its current mix across power cycles.
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Extron Introduces TeamWork “Show Me” Cable Retraction Modules for HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA Extron just launched new Retractor SM “Show Me” cable retraction modules for its TeamWork Collaboration System. The new Retractor SM modules provide the user interface for HDMI, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort or VGA sources. Operation is simple as you just pull the cables to extend the “Show Me” cable, connect it to your source device, and press the “Share” button to share your content on the main presentation display. At the end of the collaboration session, cables retract by pressing a button.
Retractor SM modules are engineered for long life and reliability in schools, libraries, conference rooms, and other high-utilization environments. Each module includes a pre-loaded, continuous cable for a single signal type, ensuring consistent, reliable performance regardless of cable extension length. A six-foot (1.8 m) pigtail is provided on the system end of the Retractor cable for ease of installation and connection to under-table electronics or floor boxes. HDMI and VGA models pass signals from the connected sources without processing. The DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort models actively convert dual-mode DisplayPort signals to HDMI for use with a TeamWork switcher.
Cable Cubby Mount Kits are required to complete a Retractor SM installation in a Cable Cubby 1200 or Cable Cubby 1400. The Triple Mount Kit holds up to three Retractor SM modules. The Quad Mount Kit includes two mounting brackets, each of which supports up to two Retractor SM modules. The Retractor SM Horizontal Bracket Kit supports up to three modules for horizontal mounting applications. The TMK 120 R Table Mount Kit supports up to two Retractor SM modules for under-table mounting applications.
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Middle Atlantic Claims New QAR Series Rack Saves 30+ Minutes in Assembly Time Middle Atlantic Products is unveiling their so-called new Quick Assembly Rack, one of three rack series to anchor Essex, its new collection of “affordable,” quality infrastructure products. Designed for price-sensitive projects, the QAR Series is a knock-down rack with an innovative patent-pending snap-together design that makes it integration-ready in five minutes or less.
According to Middle Atlantic, the Quick Assembly Rack can save up to 30 minutes or more in assembly time compared to other knock-down racks (including their own). It provides a quality foundation for residential AV systems and can be used as a skeleton rack or easily configured with sides, doors and a range of Essex power and accessory options.
The QAR Series is UL listed with models available in 12 sizes complementary to residential AV systems. Ideal for installation in closets, basements and equipment rooms, it is optimized for efficient cable management with generous facilities for bottom cable entry. All QAR Series racks feature lockable casters, optional leveling feet for fixed installation and a convenient mounting bracket for vertical power distribution.
Essex Accessory Bundles are available in three sizes for installers to select essential accessories with one easy part number. Other useful options include locking solid and plexi doors along with locking side panels that install in seconds. QAR Series racks can also be powered and protected with Essex power distribution in rackmount and vertical options.
Featuring a metallic grey finish, the QAR Series addresses thermal management through the passive ventilation designed into the rack’s top. Also available in the Essex line are quiet DC fan tops for up to 276 CFM when forced airflow is needed.
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Dukane Intros 13K Lumen Projector Dukane’s new 9010 is spec’d at 13,000 lumens and would be the brightest 3-chip DLP projector the company has ever marketed. Aimed at auditoriums, large lecture halls and concert stages, the 9010 includes four digital inputs (including 3G SDI) and two HDMIs as well as DVI and is native WUXGA resolution (1920×1200). Integrated with edge blending, the 9010 lists for $74,500 and is shipping now.
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