Volume 7, Issue 3 — March 6, 2014
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Tiner’s Take Editorial Editorial
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Changing Landscape of Cable Television
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
The landscape of cable television continues to change at a dizzying pace. In previous blogs, I have written about both the WWE Network and the striking down of the net neutrality rules. Since then, Comcast has purchased Time Warner Cable and, according to the New York Times, reached a deal with Netflix to deliver its videos more directly to Comcast customers. All this, while Netflix global subscribers continue to grow, hitting 40 million by the end of 2013. According to the previously referenced Times article, Netflix streaming is responsible for an amazing one-third of all Internet broadband traffic. Hulu meanwhile has increased to 5 million subscribers. HBO has continued to grow its HBO Go access for paying subscribers from cable companies. Recently the president came out and declared that at the moment they don’t care if you share that HBO Go access with others. Finally, while all those numbers grow, cable companies like Time Warner continue to bleed subscribers. Time Warner, for example, ended 2013 down over 800,000 subscribers.
These numbers show a trend away from traditional delivery of our entertainment over the cable delivery system. If you think about it, the fact that it is taking this long is somewhat surprising. Customers of these cable companies are forced to purchase channels they don’t want and never watch. The a-la-carte cable programming is not a reality, even though it is what makes the most sense for the customers. We are held prisoners into these contracts because of one thing, the “live” programming. This is particularly pertinent for those of us who like to watch sports that typically don’t fall on the over the air channels. It also effects may who like some of the biggest TV shows of the past several years, (Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, Walking Dead), with all of these shows being on cable. What is finally starting to break the backs of customers is the ridiculously high costs of cable contracts. Even with basic contracts and no premium channels, if you have a couple of televisions and want to watch HD programming, you are very quickly in the hundreds of dollars each month.
So, what is the future with all these changes happening so fast? In my opinion, we are going to see more and more programs go to companies like Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Prime to sell their programing. The more times we see huge successes like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black on these new “channels” the more people will try to sell pilots to them. The growth will build on itself. I don’t predict the end of our typical broadcasting any time soon. They are just too powerful and make too much money for them to drop dead. However, as contracts (such as those with NFL, MLB and hit series) begin to expire and get renewed, I expect to see those negotiations include more streaming. One thing I will try and predict however is a premium channel, particularly HBO, to either go completely to streaming, or to allow you to be a subscriber without having a cable contract. Why? HBO, in particular, is owned by Time Warner. Time Warner has focused more and more on their broadband customers. Even with the purchase by Comcast, they may be willing to experiment with the future of delivery.
So how does this affect those of us that are technology managers, integrators and installers? Well, it is a typical refrain for me: Team up with your IT people. You can certainly stop running RG6 around your campus infrastructure. In its place you can start putting copper, copper and even more copper. Talk with your infrastructure people, in particular about bandwidth issues. Streaming video takes a lot of bandwidth, and you want to be sure to have an infrastructure to support it. That means more than just an infrastructure that is robust, it also includes an infrastructure that handles, and in cases gives priority to, streaming video. If you are an AV integration firm, you hopefully have network administrators on your staff to advise your customers, and to work with your customers network engineers.
Another very thorny issue is about copyright and permissions. I know that several colleagues of mine at other colleges have discussed their professors using streamed video in the classroom. It is my understanding that the Netflix user agreement allows you to view the videos in a private house settings. Not in a classroom. So, you need to be careful and you need to help your faculty understand the limitations. You have a copyright officer on your campus, so touch base with that person and get some understandings in place for your campus.
What are your thoughts? Is the landscape of cable television about to change? How is this going to change what we do in our classrooms and meeting spaces? Even more interesting, how does this constant drive of networked technology into our AV spaces change what we do? As always, I am very interested in your thoughts and feedback. Leave a Comment
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Eight Principles for Scaling Educational 3D
By Len Scrogan Display Central
3D in Education — 3D school success stories are well worth your reading time. In this installment, we continue our coverage of 3D in the St. Francis Schools (MN) by focusing on strategies for district-wide implementation of 3D. What can we learn from this 21st Century school district about scaling educational 3D?
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If you look at 3D in education across the country, almost all implementations involve isolated, individual schools. These pioneer 3D-using sites are often magnet, STEM-focused, private, charter or otherwise impassioned schools that simply caught the vision and saw the potential for 3D visualization in learning. In some U.S. school districts, mobile 3D carts have been purchased for every school, but almost all of these ‘district’ efforts have grown quiet, languishing due to lack of vision, training, and leadership. In my opinion, you cannot simply “buy 3D” and throw it loosely into classrooms; rather, effective and long-lasting 3D programs must be seeded, grown, nurtured, and cultivated. Above all, they must be led.
The St. Francis school district 3D project may well be the only successful district-level implementation of 3D learning in the U.S. Certainly, this group of forward-thinking educators offers key strategies for successfully pursuing district-wide implementation of 3D in almost any setting. From a business perspective, what we can learn from this district will help manufacturers and providers better support, sustain, and leverage future customers.
The St. Francis project began in a single school, in a single fourth grade classroom. But this year, it was extended to all of the other schools in this innovative district. How did they do it? Here are some of the keys to success we can unpack from this timely case study:
The Champion. The vision began with a lone fourth-grade teacher, Holli Hillman. She was struck with the potential of 3D visualization in learning and acted upon her vision. She became a force of one. A ‘champion’ is the term we often use in education. She ached for a chance to employ this technology to improve student learning. That’s how all good educators improve classrooms — with a yearning, an ache, and by untiringly wondering, “what if?”
The Allies. The reality is that a force of one doesn’t really work in education. You might think so, but it doesn’t. Ms. Hillman had to find allies in order to truly realize her vision. She presented her ideas to her principal, colleagues, peers, parents, district leaders, superintendent, and even I.T. technical leaders. She sought their support, their advice, and their blessing. She convinced them, but she did so based on trust, passion, and the promise of value-added learning. In doing so, she grew and nurtured a large ‘family’ of co-travelers. She wrote: “My Superintendent along with his entire District Leadership Team were some of the first to view the 3D content only 12 short hours after it was up and running. I have been enthusiastic about this pilot project for quite some time and was ecstatic to share it immediately once it was up and running. My Superintendent couldn’t stop grinning as he walked from one corner of the room to the other watching the stereoscopic imagery travel with him. He was stunned that what I had been describing for several months was exactly as incredibly visual as I explained. He and I talked extensively about how this would be used in the classroom as a teaching and learning tool; and why this content is so incredible.”
The Plan. Most school technology efforts use an approach like this: “Fire, Aim, Ready!” Ms. Hillman’s paradigm became “Ready…Aim… Fire!” She knew that “you don’t just buy 3D.” You plan for 3D; you think it through; and you try to remove as many obstacles as you can before you begin. In developing her action plan, Ms. Hillman sought help from both inside and outside the district, ensuring that her efforts would indeed be successful.
The Promotion. In a famous Russian farce by Ilf and Petrov, “Christopher Columbus Discovers America,” there’s a saying uttered by Christopher Columbus that goes like this: “Without publicity—there’s no prosperity!” Effective scaling of 3D from one school to many schools requires marketing and promotion. In the midst of her project, Ms. Hillman wrote the following note to me: “This morning I had a VIP visitor. Brenda Cassellius, the Commissioner of Education for the state of Minnesota came in to view our district’s 3D set up and the way in which we are using it. Then on Monday, April 29th I will have Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann here also. Very exciting things happening!”
The Results. In education, effective promotion is more likely to see scale increase if results are strongly evident. Simply using technology is never as convincing as is producing results with technology. Ms. Hillman didn’t merely show off the technology, she marketed the results of using 3D in the classroom. She began to gather informative student anecdotes or stories, collect data on student performance and improvement, and document how well—or how quickly—students were learning.
The Leveraging. Once the stories are being told, once the results are seeing the light of day, it’s time to connect those stories with an urgent need for action. The underlying premise is to use your past success to leverage even more success. The basic approach is to demonstrate that a technology-based intervention resulted in clear benefits and then request the resources required to expand the capabilities or reach of that intervention. Here’s a chart that shows how that is supposed to work:
A smart educator will now raise the stakes, perhaps submitting a funding proposal to your superintendent, the school board, the PTO, a local business partner, a local educational foundation, or a probable grant source. Leveraging efforts must begin in earnest if scaling is to become a reality.
The Swell. Great technology efforts have wheels. They somehow inch beyond the artificial curbs associated with “pilot technology projects” entering the thoroughfare of relevance as they extend to other schools. Ms. Hillman explained early on in the St. Francis initiative: “I am currently working with teachers from the High School in an effort to expand… I am certain I will find teachers just as enthusiastic as myself to step outside of the box and implement this innovative instructional approach. I can’t wait to watch it all unfold.”
The Anticipated Wrinkle. Surprises happen and good technology implementers know it. Recently, Ms. Hillman learned that her highly supportive, wise and sympathetic I.T. Director was moving into new opportunities with another school district. This normally sounds a death knell for scaling and sustaining any budding technology initiative. Surviving leadership changes and knowing how to sustain an initiative for the long haul require quick thinking, agility, and no shortcuts in the eight scaling principles identified in this piece. Since Holli Hillman has carefully built the proper scaffolding described in the eight principles above, there is far less worry over unanticipated transitions.
Following these principles, scaling educational 3D from single-school projects to district-wide initiatives is in the cards. Leave a Comment
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Do Website Usability Rules Translate to Digital Signage?
By Laura Miller Director of Marketing, KioWare
Digital signage tips for targeting teens
As hardware providers, software providers and application developers for digital signage, we sometimes leave the “content” portion of digital signage to our clients. We assume that advertising agencies and in house marketers have the content piece of their message under well in hand. While that is often the case, it is particularly important to make sure that the digital signage applications and content are both developed with the end user and usability in mind.
Digital signage user interface testing and standards seem to be less well researched and defined than those in the website usability/UI/UX industry. Utilizing some of the learnings from web design, we can extrapolate some digital signage best practices. Specifically what differences should be considered when designing digital signage for a teenage audience?
According to a study by the Nielsen Norman Group, there are many incorrect stereotypes about teenagers. Unlike the stereotypes, teens are not “supremely tech savvy,” they don’t “use smartphones for everything” and they don’t “want everything to be social.” They also don’t “just want to be entertained online with graphics and multimedia.”
Some website usability findings to consider when creating digital signage:
- Teens perform worse than adults because of insufficient reading skills.
- Teens have dramatically lower levels of patience.
- Teens do not like small typeface.
A few web usability tips that translate well to digital signage or are already a part of the digital signage lexicon:
- Don’t talk down to teens.
- Teens don’t like the heavy, glitzy, blinking graphics that designers think they like. They prefer clean, modest, but still cool designs.
- Minimize the amount of text.
- Interactivity is appealing, where possible.
For more on website usability for teens, and to see if additional findings also translate for digital signage, visit NN/g here.
This column was reprinted with permission from the Digital Screenmedia Association and originally appeared here. Leave a Comment
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AMX Debuts Two New H.264 Video Encoders AMX’s new H.264 Encoders are designed to allow live video from cameras as well as video from PCs, set-top boxes and more to be streamed onto any network.
The AMX H.264 Encoder is available in two models — the NMX-ENC-1100 and NMX-ENC-1105. Both feature a multi-format input to support digital video signals, including MPEG-2 TS over UDP and RTP, as well as legacy analog sources such as an SDI source. The NMX-ENC-1100 is now shipping in the U.S., while the NMX-ENC-1105 will begin shipping later this month. AMX says that both models are expected to ship globally in June 2014.
Both are here. Leave a Comment
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rAVe Scoop: Extron Debuts Digital Version of PoleVault Classroom System Extron is now shipping a digital version of its PoleVault classroom packaged system, appropriately dubbed the PoleVault Digital. Basically, it’s a family of complete AV switching and control system that seamlessly integrate digital and analog video sources. Each system uses CATx twisted pair cable for transmitting high resolution audio and video signals, and includes network connectivity for Web-based AV resource management, monitoring and control. PoleVault Digital Classroom AV Systems are fully HDCP compliant with support for both HDMI and VGA sources commonly found in modern classrooms. At the heart of these systems is a switcher/amplifier that meets ENERGY STAR requirements for AV products and includes two power saving modes designed to lower energy usage and reduce operating costs.
Each system includes all the necessary audio and video switching, audio amplification, system control, source connectivity, speakers, mounting hardware, and cabling needed for a complete classroom AV system. All that remains is to add a video projector, screen or flat panel display and sources.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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SMART Announces Gen2 of SMART Room System for Microsoft Lync SMART Technologies has announced several new additions to the SMART Room System for Microsoft Lync, including capability for interactive sharing that enables touch and inking into any software application, integration with SMART Meeting Pro PE (Personal Edition) software and the introduction of unbound workspace.
With the introduction of interactive sharing, users can now work with any content directly on the display without being restricted by a mouse and keyboard. The multi-touch capabilities enable natural interaction with any application, letting users easily collaborate using familiar programs.
With the addition of SMART’s Meeting Pro PE software, users are no longer restricted to only making annotations into PowerPoint or the Lync whiteboard. Now notes can be made onto any software application and save directly into the files in the native format for future reference or editing in real time. SMART Meeting Pro also includes something they are calling “unbound workspace” — a whiteboard application that allows for panning and zooming to any level of detail, regardless of the complexity of the content to promote free-flowing, comprehensive collaboration sessions.
The SMART Room System was originally announced with the largest array of interactive display options with three room sizes including both 70” (177.8 centimeters) and 84” (213.36 cm.) display combinations. Now, the company has added two new sizes, including single and dual 55” (139.7 cm.) displays. The range of choices accommodates room sizes ranging from 50 ft2 to 300 ft2, suitable for 2 to 16 participants.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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InfoComm Opens Registration for June Show in Las VegasMore than 10,000 of the hottest technology products from more than 950 companies will be featured at InfoComm 2014 in Las Vegas, Nev., June 18-20, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendee registration is now available at infocommshow.org.
Not sure if you should go? Well, watch our InfoComm 2013 wrap-up video here and you’ll want to go!
InfoComm 2014 has more than 500,000 net square feet of show floor exhibits and special events space. More than 36,000 professionals are expected to attend the show, with a more than a third of attendees coming from technology managers, specifiers and end-user communities. InfoComm offers technology solutions to a broad spectrum of market sectors, including business, government, military, education, worship, healthcare, hospitality, retail and entertainment.
Showcasing the latest AV technology, InfoComm 2014 provides the multi-billion dollar industry and its customers with a thriving show floor, along with unsurpassed education and training. Attendees will hear from all the leading audio brands in demo rooms and on the show floor, get connected with collaborative conferencing in the Unified Communications and Collaboration Pavilion, see the latest in signs at the Digital Signage Pavilion and experience the latest in illumination and production in the Lighting and Staging Pavilion. The Technologies for Worship Pavilion will feature the latest AV technology applied for House of Worship staff and volunteers, while the new Security Pavilion will feature the latest technology solutions.
InfoComm offers attendees hands-on access to the latest AV and digital signage technology and networking with industry peers, as well as the opportunity to attend a wide range of educational sessions offered by InfoComm University and other groups. Beyond the show floor, AV Technology Tours will allow attendees to see installed AV projects in action and networking activities will bring everyone together, allowing for the development of meaningful conversations and relationships.
This year InfoComm will feature a Solutions Summit that begins pre-show and offers related sessions available throughout the week. There will be Digital Signage and UCC tracks, with the flexibility to move amongst sessions. In addition, InfoComm International, the trade association representing the commercial audiovisual industry will be marking its 75th anniversary this year with an awards dinner.
The U.S. Department of Commerce is supporting InfoComm 2014 by promoting the show to overseas attendees because of its export potential, international interest, U.S. exhibitor offerings, stature and overseas marketing efforts. More than 5,000 attendees from over 110 countries outside of North America are expected to visit the event.
If you’re interested in seeing our 2013 InfoComm MicroSite, where we posted over 1,000 new product videos, 200 blogs and news stories, podcasts and photos, go here. We’ll be doing the same coverage again this year.
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Atlas Sound Opens Project Design Registration Program, Will Credit Dealers for Spec’ing Products Even if Bids Are Lost Atlas Sound sent a letter to its dealers yesterday offering credits in a few different ways, including for specifying Atlas Sound products in bids they ultimately don’t win. Dealers can also receive rebates for switching out competitor products for Atlas Sound products or just specifying Atlas Sound products in the first place. This will be done through a project design registration program the company is setting up.
rAVe founder Gary Kayye says, “This is a great idea protecting those design/build and full service integrators that do the work up-front to design projects from the predatory price-based hang-and-bang dealers. I’d love to see more manufacturers do this. Loyd, why not brand this as a service and license it, for free, to other manufacturers to use to show that they care about protecting the channel partners that do the work? I’ll bet companies like Extron, Christie, Barco, Listen Technologies and Lectrosonics would sign on. All of them have eliminated box-house like integrators from their distribution channels.”
The full text of Atlas Sound founder Loyd Ivey’s letter is below:
An Open Letter to the Industry From the Desk of Loyd Ivey
Atlas Sound has been a trusted partner in the commercial audio industry since 1934. As manufacturer member number one in the NSCA and a huge supporter of all of its integrators, the warriors on the front line spilling blood, sweat, and tears working to just to make payroll at the end of the week. I have noticed a trend in our industry that I find very disturbing and unfortunate.
Integrators spend a lot of time and expend a lot of effort to write design build specifications only to lose that sale to another company that is able to undercut the price. This is one of the most frustrating scenarios an integrator can run into, have someone else take their design and specification and undercut the job. Some large manufacturers take advantage of smaller integrators by offering huge deals to a limited number of people that qualify. These deals enable them to offer a lower price and win the bid with no investment of time or capital. We at Atlas believe you should be rewarded for the work you do and for this reason we are launching a new Project Design Registration Program. This program is designed to ensure that all the integrators who specify Atlas Sound products in a system design receive compensation, whether they win the job bid or not.
Based on our commitment to be the easiest company to do business with, this program is simple to understand and allows everyone to win. We are offering integrators the opportunity to earn additional compensation based on three scenarios. First, integrators that are involved in design/build projects that specify Atlas Sound products and complete a project design registration form will qualify for a rebate credit based on the amount of Atlas products used in the specification. Second, integrators will qualify for the rebate credit if they change a specification from a competitor’s products to Atlas Sound products. Finally, a rebate credit will be issued to any integrator who creates the specification but loses the bid on projects that still utilize the Atlas Sound products from the specification.
There is no program comparable to this in the industry. Atlas has a huge assortment of high quality products that can be used in so many different types of installations that we wanted to reward our integrators for considering our full assortment when completing design/build specifications. Additionally, we want to compensate integrators that specify Atlas Sound even if they lose the bid and Atlas is still used, which is something that no other manufacturer offers.
The Project Design Registration Program includes all Atlas Sound products like speakers, horns, amplifiers, BlueBridge DSP, IP speakers, power conditioners, racks/cabinets, A-Line, sound masking, and Time Saving Devices. Participation is easy; integrators must complete a Project Design Registration Program form and submit it via email for rebate credit consideration. Please contact your Atlas regional sales manager, local representative, or Atlas customer service to take advantage of this program.
Sincerely,
Loyd Ivey President & CEO Leave a Comment
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You Picked InfoComm and ISE to Win rAVe’s 2014 Trade Show BattleIn January, we asked the readers of rAVe which trade shows around the world matter enough for them to attend. As most segments of the ProAV industry continue to grow as our world economy finally starts its recovery, there are clear segments of commercial AV that are benefitting — for example, the digital signage, government and rental/staging segments.
And trade shows stand to benefit in 2014. In the U.S., both InfoComm and CEDIA came up as the two biggest beneficiaries of our survey when we asked ProAV’ers which trade shows they plan to attend in 2014 here in the United States. And, internationally, the big winners were ISE (Integrated Systems Europe) and IBC — both in Amsterdam, coincidentally.
Here are the results from last month’s survey, sponsored by EPSON Leave a Comment
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Extron Shipping Next Generation Fiber Optic DisplayPort Extender for Signals up to 2560×1600Extron is now shipping its FOX II DP, a transmitter and receiver set for long haul transmission of HDCP-compliant DisplayPort video, multi-channel audio, RS232 control and IR control signals over fiber optic cabling. The FOX II DP brings support for higher resolutions up to 2560×1600, multi-channel audio, an audio return channel and IR support to the FOX Series. Extron says it uses all-digital technology to deliver pixel-for-pixel DisplayPort computer-video images up to 2560×1600.
The fiber optic DisplayPort extender is available in multimode and single-mode models. Features include Key Minder, EDID Minder, Auto Input Memory, audio embedding and de-embedding, audio gain and attenuation control and real-time system monitoring. Using Extron’s PCS — Product Configuration Software, the FOX II DP can be programmed quickly.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Delta Displays Adds Dry-Erase Capabilities to WX21 and WX31Delta Products has announced an upgrade to its WX21 and WX31 displays with a dry-erase screen. Compatible with any dry-erase markers, the new screen surface converts the WX display into an interactive whiteboard. The displays are available with viewing and writing areas of up to 203” in width and the feature is included on all new WX21 and WX31 models shipped, the dry-erase feature allows users to annotate over their content.
For all the existing WX displays, Delta offers an all-in-one upgrade kit that will enable customers to move to the new dry-erase displays. More details on the WX21 and WX31 are here. Leave a Comment
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Almo Professional A/V Announces New Additions to “Navigate to New Horizons” E4 Dallas Event on March 11 Almo Professional A/V, in partnership with InfoComm International, has announced new additions to its first 2014 E4 AV Tour, scheduled to take place in Dallas on March 11. Themed “Navigate to New Horizons,” E4 Dallas attendees can expect hands-on training sessions worth InfoComm Renewal Units, U.S. debuts of new products, one-on-one time with 36 manufacturing partners, live demos of Pro AV systems and lots of networking opportunities.
The Epson Integrator Certifications (EIC) offer solutions to make meeting rooms more effective, provide insight on the Color Brightness standard and provide high-level information required to answer technical questions about Epson projectors. In addition, EIC trainings incorporate third-party tools to enhance the overall projection experience, allowing AV resellers to make the best recommendations for customers. The training includes three sessions. In the first, attendees learn about Color Light Output standards and how to overcome challenging projection environments. The second session focuses on Chief’s Integrated Interactive System for the Epson BrightLink Pro 1410Wi and Da-Lite’s step-by-step selection process for the right screen fabric. And in the third, attendees will hear about five AV technologies that will define the next five years.
ATEN, designer and manufacturer of advanced connectivity and management solutions, has joined the E4 tour and will showcase an array of KVM switches and extenders, over IP solutions, and video products at the E4 Dallas event. Other new products that will be featured in Dallas include:
- Barco ClickShare Inside: ClickShare Inside will make its U.S. debut at E4 Dallas. This option integrates Barco’s ClickShare wireless presentation system into a Present projector for the best in projection and collaboration in one. As a result, users can wirelessly share their content on-screen for true collaboration in corporate AV applications.
- Planar Clarity Matrix with G2 Architecture: G2 Architecture sets a new benchmark with a tiled bezel width as small as 3.7mm with stunning 4K input capability and 10-bit color processing for better color depth and uniformity. Planar’s built-in Big Picture Plus Processing allows sources to be scaled across the entire video wall or section of the video wall.
- Sharp AQUOS Q+ with Quattron and Revelation Technologies: Delivers 10 million more subpixels than Full 1080p HD TVs. Revelation technology also includes a built-in upscaler, which makes everything sharper and more vivid. These TVs are future-ready and able to play 4K content but at half the cost.
- BrightSign 4K Resolution Media Player: The first digital signage media player company to launch a 4K resolution media player for digital signage applications. Using fan-less solid state storage, the yet un-named player will make one of its first appearances in the U.S. at E4 Dallas.
- Samsung 55-Inch OLED TV: Includes a timeless curved design and a frame inspired by a modern art gallery. The One Connect box merges all cable connections into a single cable for a clean back finish. Samsung OLED TVs boast minimalistic elegance that’s stunning whether they are turned on or off.
- Chief CONNEXSYS Video Wall System: Solves the common video wall challenges of speed, alignment, serviceability and rigidity. It provides the ability to level each row once by using a strut channel to connect multiple mounts together with a simple-to-use install system that can handle the largest requirements.
- C2G Miracast Wireless Adapter: Enjoy expanded use of a tablet, smartphone or other mobile device by streaming videos, movies, images and other content to the TV in crisp 1080p resolution. Create a new sharing experience with this easy-to-set-up wireless adapter for in-room content streaming.
- Elo Touch Ultra-Thin 55-Inch Touchscreen: The 5501L Interactive Digital Signage display combines an optical multi-touchscreen with a professional-grade, large-format display in a slim, integrated package. The large, wide-screen format offers a high quality, interactive canvas for attracting and engaging customers.
E4 Dallas is on March 11, 2014, at the Hyatt Regency Dallas and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is an entirely free event, including parking, for Almo Pro A/V’s reseller, integrator and consultant partners. To register, click here. Leave a Comment
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Sharp Introduces the wePresent WiPG-1500 Interactive Presentation Gateway Sharp’s new wePresent WiPG-1500 is a wireless interactive presentation gateway for wirelessly connecting content and devices (BYOD) to the Sharp AQUOS BOARD interactive display system. With the WiPG-1500, users can wirelessly display documents, presentations, photos and videos from a PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet directly onto the Sharp AQUOS BOARD interactive display system, without using cables and without loading drivers on the device. This system uses AWiND technology — the same technology used in the Barco ClickShare
Features include:
- Wireless projection and remote desktop for Windows/Mac (Win: Windows XP/Vista/7/8, Mac: 10.6, 10.7, 10.8)
- Wi-Fi — Doc app for iOS /Android
- Plug & Show: Launch the projection application from a USB thumb drive
- 4-to-1 screen projection — four devices can be displayed at one time
- SNMP Manager: Manage/configure multiple WiPGs through SNMP consoles
- Conference Control : Mediator control function through the device web page
- Security Design: Session login code, WEP/WPA key and GateKeeper
- Customizable standby image (logo, full background)
- HDMI and VGA dual video interfaces
- Wi-Fi AP, AP — Client mode support WiFi 802.1b/g/n
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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BenQ’s Latest Are Aimed at Home Theaters and Boardrooms with Built-in BYOD Wireless BenQ America just introduced its new MH680 and MH740 projectors, both of which are 1920×1080, 1-chip DLP projectors claiming a lamp life of 6,500 hours.
Designed using the company’s “Colorific” picture system, the MH680 is spec’d at 10,000:1 contrast ratio and 3,000 lumen brightness, while the MH740 features a spec of 11,000:1 contrast ratio and brightness of 4,000 lumens. Both projectors have integrated 10-watt speakers and the ability to display 3D content and are spec’d to project up to 300″ diagonally.
Featuring BenQ’s QPresenter app, the MH680 allows up to four participants (BYOD) to collaborate and share documents, photos and Internet content directly from their handheld devices, PCs or Macs in 2:1 and 4:1 split-screen viewing options, which allows sketching directly onto existing documents, and provides access to content from Dropbox or email via users’ mobile devices. To ensure privacy, QPresenter provides double-layered security through IP address and password authentication.
Both projectors feature SmartEco technology, which BenQ says automatically adjusts lamp power to deliver up to 6,500 and 3,500 hours of lamp life, respectively, and energy savings of up to 80 percent without any compromise in 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 20 percent when no source has been detected for more than three minutes. With the “Auto Power Off” function, the MH680 and MH740 will automatically shut down when not in use for 30 minutes, providing even more energy savings.
Available now, the MH680 and MH740 projectors retail at $799 and $1,499, respectively and here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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InfoComm Offers Digital Signage Course
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
Several years ago, I was approached by the Dean of Faculty’s office to install a digital “poster board.” They had a little extra money in the year’s budget and wanted to use it to show off the great work of our students and faculty. They also wanted to make a bit of a splash, so they wanted something that would grab people’s attention and make them say wow. I had heard the term digital signage and knew that it was a young, but quickly growing technology. I knew enough to convince the office not to go with a small form factor computer and monitor, simply playing a PowerPoint slide show. I was fortunate to convince them to go with a real digital signage system, but did so by sheer luck rather than a sound foundation of knowledge in the subject.
Fast forward to today, and I am managing a network of digital signs, based off a central server. I have learned a lot over the years and think our signage system is robust. However, there is still a lot I don’t know. I have watched webinars and read a lot over the years, but there is some fundamental knowledge missing. That is why I was thrilled when contacted by InfoComm last fall, and asked to be part of a group that was reviewing a new course that InfoComm was developing, “Digital Signage for Technology Managers.”
InfoComm has recently debuted the course, and I highly recommend you take it.
One of my biggest struggles when working with customers who want a digital sign is discussing with them what their goals for the sign are, and then applying that to the actual install. After reviewing this course, I now understand why that was an on-going problem. First, I did not have all the language that I needed to discuss this technology with my customers. Second, at the start of this project, I was not aware of the overall larger impact on the college. The course covers all of the language and lingo of digital signage. A particular interest of mine in the course was the section on where to put the signs. How high does the sign go? How big should the sign be? Some of these questions can be answered the same way we calculate viewer needs in other aspect of AV. However, there are some unique challenges with digital signage. Understanding issues like line of sight, attention zone, horizontal visual field, vertical visual field and field of view will help you lead your customers to the best solution.
Also, beginning to understand the overall impact on your institution is important. Who should be involved in a project as you begin to unveil digital signage? In my case, the Dean of Faculty office was the immediate customer, but certainly what we were doing affected Facility Services, Campus Police and other areas of IT. This course begins to open your thinking to the larger needs of digital signage instead of just individual signs.
Another great section of the course is about the second screen. This is a fairly new aspect of digital signage, but one that is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. People are showing up at our locations with tablets and smartphones. Are your prepared to support their interaction with your digital sign? Are you aware of the various possibilities of the second screen, such as integration of QR codes? Obviously, no one course could answer all the issues on this subject, or make you an expert, but InfoComm will absolutely put you on the correct course to understand that these are issues you need to learn more about. The second screen is a current issue, and it is fantastic that InfoComm was able to include such current content in a course.
I always feel that equal to the information provided during any training, is the access to resources to learn more. In this course InfoComm does a terrific job of providing those resources. The course is full of footnotes referencing dozens of articles, whitepapers and other resources to continue your learning. As you take this course, make sure you take note of these resources and make use of them.
The course covers so much more than what I have written here, and had several industry experts involved in the creation and review. If you are like me, and somewhat experienced with digital signage, then this course will fill in those holes that you have. If you are new to digital signage, the course will give you a wealth of information and knowledge needed to get started. What about if you are an integrator or sales person? I am willing to bet that you too will get something out of this course. If you already have all the technical knowledge covered, then you will certainly benefit from the perspective of digital signage from the view of technology managers from education and industry. Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces the Industry’s Most Powerful Configurable Control System Software Extron’s new Global Configurator Professional is a configuration software for its Pro Series control systems that can be used to configure a system to control everything from single projector classrooms to large, control system designs. Features, such as conditional logic, variables and macros provide even greater flexibility for more sophisticated control scenarios. The Controller Groups feature expands AV system design potential for much larger systems requiring multiple IP Link Pro control processors.
If you aren’t familiar with Extron’s new Pro Series Control System, we recently wrote an extensive review of the system here. And, earlier this week, rAVe’s Gary Kayye and THE WEEK’s, Joel Rollins, recorded a podcast talking about the likely impact of Extron’s new control system on AMX and Crestron — listen here.
Conditional logic allows advanced functionality by making “if” and “else” statements available and with the help of conditional logic, one can easily set up operations that are dependent upon occurrence and non-occurrence of certain events. The Controller Groups feature allows up to four IP Link Pro control processors to be grouped and work as one big controller. This feature ideally serves advanced systems that require more control ports than are offered in a single control processor. A new class of drivers brings greater AV system performance and capabilities. The new Serial over Ethernet drivers expand control capabilities through devices such as Extron XTP Systems that are capable of IP to serial direct port control.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Lectern Maker TECOM Enters Switcher MarketTecom launched its newly developed HD presentation switcher/scaler, also known as The “Translator,” at the Amsterdam RAI’s annual ISE 2014 show.
Tecom Electronics’ new Translator (TSS-650) is an eight-input, two-output (not a matrix) switcher/scaler that has HDMI, PC (VGA), component and composite video inputs. It can switch and scale the signal to HDMI or VGA with audio outputs and supports HDMI (supports EDID and HDCP) output resolutions up to 1080p or WUXGA resolutions. Control is via on-screen display (OSD), IR remote, RS232 and IP. The switcher lists for $799.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Futuresource Consulting Says 1.3 Million Interactive Whiteboards with Flat-Screens Sold in 2013Global sales of interactive whiteboards and interactive flat panel displays in the education and corporate sectors reached 1.3 million units in 2013, up 1 percent on the previous year and making it the largest year on record, according to the final 2013 quarterly research report from Futuresource Consulting.
“The education sector provides a vast target market for vendors and component suppliers alike, with over 38 million classrooms and 1.5 billion enrolled students and teachers across the world,” says Colin Messenger, senior market analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “As the interactive displays market has evolved we now see interactive flat panels moving centre stage as they become the fastest growing product in the market, taking share from interactive whiteboards and — in the UK — accounting for 45 percent of sales in Q4.”
Asia still dominates the market with 2013 sales of over 800,000, representing 24 percent annual growth. Asia is forecast to remain the largest region for the next five years, with China being the driving force with sales of 700,000.
The American market is experiencing an annual decrease of 15 percent. Volumes are forecast to remain flat over the next two years before growth, spurred on by corporate sales, which are currently 16 percent, and forecast to exceed 50 percent of the market in 2018.
“Over half of classrooms already have either an interactive display or interactive projector, and by 2018 penetration will reach almost 80 percent,” says Messenger.
EMEA performed above target in the quarter, spurred on again by strong performances from Russia and countries in Western Europe.
“Phase 2 of FATIH — Turkey’s National Education Project — will start in Q2 2014 and Futuresource projections show that this will account for over 40 percent of all sales in EMEA,” says Messenger. “The program is due to run across 16 months.”
Futuresource forecasts show that the total display technologies market of interactive whiteboards, interactive flat panels and interactive projectors will begin to decline towards the end of the decade, but will still exceed 1.2 million devices shipped in 2018. However, the adoption rates of the three products are very different by country and even by region (Futuresource has compared all three technologies in 67 countries).
“The scale of the corporate space presents alternative opportunities. Moving forward we see the corporate market as the fastest growing sector, increasing to 1/4 of all sales by 2018, with the growth coming from more developed markets like the USA, UK, Germany and Sweden.”
Futuresource is here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Pro Series Control Processors Deliver Speed, Security, Power Extron’s six IP Link Pro Series control processors include built-in Gigabit Ethernet and the latest network protocols, which allows fast, secure connections with multiple TouchLink Pro touch panels using current network infrastructure. IP Link Pro control processors are built to work with TouchLink Pro touch panels and are fully customizable with Extron’s configuration software — Global Configurator Professional.
Within the IP Link Pro family, there are three IPL Pro control processors and three IPCP Pro control processors. All of these control processors provide integration via GlobalViewer Enterprise software. This management software allows users to manage, monitor and control both Extron equipment and third-party equipment such as projectors, displays, computer monitors, Blu-ray and DVD players. IPCP Pro control processors support Extron LinkLicense, which enables the use of third party devices as primary control interfaces.
The IP Link Pro control processors are designed to work together with TouchLink Pro touchpanels for AV system and room control. These processors enable almost any AV device to be controlled, monitored and accessed from a LAN, WAN or the Internet.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Multibrackets Debuts Floorstand Mount with Casters for Large LCDsSwedish mount company Multibrackets has introduced a new floor stand with locking casters and a mounting bracket for large screen displays.
Capable of mounting screens from 63″ up to 100″, the Floorstand HD is powder-coated white with a maximum weight capacity of over 300+ pounds. Optional shelves can be mounted to hold set-top boxes, media players or computers. Displays can be mounted using any VESA standard, from 400×400 millimeters up to 1200×700 millimeters. Once mounted, the display is height and tilt adjustable. The system includes a power-rail and Displays can be mounted in either portrait and landscape, and a power rail is included. It’s a simple concept, but Multibrackets has its own Scandinavian style to differentiate.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Completes Delivery of XTP SystemsNow that Extron is shipping the XTP T UWP 202 wallplate transmitter, the entire XTP line is available to design and integrate complete XTP Systems. As a completely integrated solution, XTP provides local connectivity as well as extended transmission capability for sending high resolution video, audio, control, Ethernet, and power up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single shielded CATx cable. Modular XTP CrossPoint matrix switchers and a wide selection of XTP extenders in a variety of form factors offer the needed scalability and flexibility for twisted pair applications. The XTP CrossPoint frames also support all the emerging resolutions, including 4K
In the release to the industry, Extron’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing Casey Hall promises that the XTP Systems are “second to none in the industry.”
The online XTP System Builder helps walk you through system design and features a printable bill of materials, pricing, and quote submittal. Once the order is confirmed and received, the included XTP System Configuration Software enables easy setup and configuration right out of the box.
The XTP T UWP 202 wallplate transmitter sends HDMI or RGBHV video, audio, and bidirectional RS232 and IR control up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single CATx cable. Models are available with or without an Ethernet port, depending on the AV system design.
Here are details on the XTP Systems. Leave a Comment
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InfoComm Details NetworkedAV Track at June ShowGet the tools you need to work collaboratively with AV and IT to deliver content over your network at InfoComm 2014, June 14-20, in Las Vegas.
With InfoComm University’s Networked AV Systems Track, you can learn the basics of networking technology and troubleshooting and then dive deep into security tactics, trends and specialized topics essential to AV/IT integration.
Three-Day Courses, June 14-16:
- Networking Technology
- Networked AV Systems
Interactive Tuesday Sessions, June 17
- Secure AV: Ask the Experts
Sample of Sessions During the Show, June 18-20
- AV Network Troubleshooting
- Network Architecture for Video and Collaboration
For a list of all the InfoComm Courses, go here. Leave a Comment
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Clary Icon Releases BYOD Capable OneScreen SystemClary Icon has released an all new OneScreen system dubbed the h1, with the “h” standing for hubware.
Clary Icon’s OneScreen h1 is still an interactive, flat touch panel, l but now it’s integrated with collaboration BYOD features. The company says it’s platform agnostic and built on open architecture for complete compatibility and interoperability. The OneScreen h1 already provided videoconferencing (Polycom or Cisco), web conferencing (WebEx, Adobe Connect, Microsoft Lync, etc.), Hitachi StarBoard interactive whiteboarding. Now it also offers telepresence quality video and audio (HD), single interface access to preferred video and web conferencing options, expanded multi-party calling and conference services, Screen Skill Guru live-on-demand help, Android OS, smart TV media and more. And with a built-on computer running Windows 7, organizations can load programs and access cloud applications that are specialized or preferred for their business processes.
It’s not officailly launched until mid-March, so it’s not on the company’s website yet. When it is, it’ll be here. Leave a Comment
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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).
Don’t like us? Then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send us feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to founder Gary at gary@ravepubs.com or Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
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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