Volume 7, Issue 4 — April 28, 2016
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Aeiforia Technos
- Pick-A-Part
Raymond Kent : Managing Principal, Sustainable Technologies Group Editorial
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Pick-A-Part
By Raymond Kent Managing Principal, Sustainable Technologies Group
So a number of the news blurbs I came across related to this year’s Earth Day surrounded the growing scourge of e-waste. A main example was cell phones and how often people are changing out their devices to get the newest features or because of the inefficiencies of their older device.
A typical cell phone has a life span of 18-24 months for several physical reasons beyond the craving for the latest gadget. The battery life seems to be decreasing not increasing as operating systems and feature sets demand more juice to power. I see evidence in this through the rise of portable power packs located at what seems like every retail store cash wrap and the race to find a charging station or wall plug at airports, restaurants, coffee shops and shopping mall food courts. As a phone ages the ultra fine wire traces in the circuit boards deteriorates causing inefficiencies in power usage. Additionally the processor often can’t handle the speeds required to operate a new operating system causing buffering, delays, crashes, etc. Screen resolution, camera mega pixel density and other attributes often can become inefficient of non-functioning. As I have written in previous articles about planned obsolescence, much of this is be intentional design by manufacturers to keep profits rolling in while other causes are the abuse we put our devices through.
What happens to these devices depends on your habits. They usually (if you are like many) toss them in a drawer to either be forgotten about or until you have a large enough batch of electronics that you can responsibly recycle them (*cough*). Some retailers will take your old cell phone on the spot to be re-purposed (resold to developing countries) or recycled. Lastly, some keep their devices and strip away all of the apps and reuse them as Wi-Fi enabled security cameras, baby monitors or even as a “toy” phone for their young kids.
But what if you like your cell phone and don’t want to give it up or the thought of contributing to the e-waste scourge makes you break out in hives? There are two routes really. One is to never update your operating system from the original one, keep your apps download habit to a minimum, and religiously unplug your phone as soon as it hits a full charge to minimize overcharging or over heating the battery reducing its life (and locate a good source of replacements on eBay). I have actually done this with an old Windows phone with good success of going on five years with it but with a non-replaceable battery it is seeing its last days.
The second route is a challenge being taken on by Google and others in creating a new phone with interchangeable parts. Don’t like or want to upgrade your camera? Swap out a new camera module. Need a new processor to handle the latest Android OS? Swap out a new chip module. Crack your screen or want better resolution? Replace it with a new screen module. Called Project Ara, it is Google’s attempt to address several of the issues related to what other manufacturers seem to want to ignore. It also helps Google who is a giant in green manufacturing stay true to a core value of being environmentally friendly. This will in their mind help to lower the cost of cell phones as you will be buying separate components to upgrade rather than a whole device and help to reduce the e-waste stream by reducing the amount of obsolete devices.
So let’s leap to the Pro AV world. There are some manufacturers who have realized that in order to keep a presence in a consumer’s mind they need to be nimble and offer products that can be upgraded quickly, efficiently, and without a lot of cost. By offering a component level replacement, end users can gain the benefit of the latest feature set without much upfront cost or having to depart with a working system they like. A good example of this is Christie Digital has a line of projectors (Boxer 2K Series) that allow you to swap out components to say a 4K module at a later date if you are not ready for 4K yet without having to replace a projector you rely on or even increase the brightness. This not only provides immediate benefit to the end user but works to reduce that product stream obsolescence keeping out of e-waste. This works to support Christie’s deep commitment to sustainability and can help build and maintain brand loyalty.
Samsung had another good example of this back in 2012 when they released an upgradable consumer TV (Samsung ES8000) at CES that provided an expansion slot to allow new hardware and features to be included as well as having the ability to upgrade firmware. This allowed consumers who buy way more TVs than in pro installs to have the ability to upgrade without having to throw out a large, expensive piece of equipment. Certainly we have seen some of this as well with Crestron and AMX in the matrix switchers being able to upgrade the processor to handle 4K and add some features.
Hopefully the future bodes well for more products to be able to be upgraded without having to be tossed out or recycled entirely. This would potentially go a long way towards reducing the volume of discarded electronics that is generated each year (54 million tons in 2015). Leave a Comment
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On Language, AV/IT, Teaching and Learning
By Leonard Suskin Pixel and Ink-Stained Wretch
“Include Kodak in this room.” That’s the line in the client’s system review memo which confused me, and one with which I eventually opened an internal training seminar at SMW. What were they talking about? And what was the bigger message? Read on!
The memo in question came in a fairly late design phase of a project I’d inherited from one of my departed colleagues. It’s one with which I was familiar, having assisted with the design, but I’d not yet met any of the users and was quite honestly confused by this line. Was it some kind of legacy device from the Eastman Kodak company? A zombie-brand that was somehow leasing the Kodak name? Something to do with film, or old-school photography?
After a brief chat, it became clear that what they wanted was a video-teleconference appliance. My colleague had referred to it as a codec and the client, with no context for this word, heard it as “Kodak.” Mystery solved. This was a very much engaged client who understood what they wanted but appeared more ignorant than they were because nobody had taken the time to share the correct language with them. Using words correctly is not solely a matter of being understood, but of positioning oneself as someone who knows what they’re talking about. In the case of a client it’s not a serious issue; it’s our job as professionals to help give them the tools to navigate technical choices. When a client doesn’t know – when they say “Kodak” because someone else didn’t do a good job of educating — we have the opportunity to help guide them towards greater understanding.
The problem comes when we in the AV industry try to talk about IT matters. Too often we use words imprecisely and without understanding them. In a discussion of network-based AV systems we need to position ourselves as experts. We cannot afford to be the ones who say “Kodak” and wait for someone else to educate us; it’s our job to do the educating. Which means that first we need to educate ourselves.
Network has become a basic requirement. When I’m asked how to protect a system against complete network failure, my answer is that it’s the same as protecting against a complete power failure; the network is as much a basic requirement for a modern AV system as electricity. To carry the analogy a step farther, think about you we specify electricity. We might ask for technical power on a common phase. We might ask for it to come from a common breaker panel. In some cases, we might even ask for an isolated ground. These choices may impact the performance of an AV system and they’ll also cost somebody a measure of money and effort. It’s incumbent on us to understand these things so we can make reasonable choices which meet AV design requirements without wasting resources on over-design. How much bandwidth do we need? How many networks will we need? How many hosts will each of those networks need?
What do those last statements mean?
Another wake-up call came in submittal review. I’d find submittal items that look like this:
Working for a multidisciplinary firm, it’s quite easy for me to walk down the hall and show this sort of thing to an IT designer who can both translate it into English for me and confirm that it meets the project requirements. In the longer term, however, we all need to be able to present ourselves as experts which, increasingly, means at the very least speaking the language of networks and IT. If you are reading this and do NOT understand CIDR notation then you need to educate yourself before you end up being embarrassed with a question you not only can’t answer but that you also don’t even understand.
I’m fortunate in that I work for a firm which has a strong commitment to education and development. As part of our internal training program, I prepared an introductory “IT for AV Designers” session focusing on broad concepts and — in what should be no surprise to anyone here — on language. Why those of us in the habit of saying “TCP/IP” when we mean “network” sound ignorant. What “reliable” and “unreliable” transport means in the context of transport protocols. What this thing called “AVB” actually is. What QoS is and — in general — how it works.
There’s a great deal to learn — a great deal which we need to know.
I’ll aside that the Wednesday afternoon training and education program is one of the fun things about working where I do. We’re treated to a wide variety of viewpoints, of teaching styles, and of subject matter. Some presenters sit at a teaching desk. Some stand. I tend to pace about the room, while others pace across the front of the room, waving the power-point clicker casually about. Those who know me can likely guess into which category my presentation style falls. What’s best as a presenter is that it gives me the opportunity to refine my knowledge and understanding; I can take various sources — the notes I took from Paul Ziele’s QoS presentation at InfoComm 2014, my study material for my aborted attempted to get an entry-level Cisco certification (that’s another post!), and whatever else I’ve learned and distill it into a coherent story. By teaching we also learn, and by learning we learn.
This started the ball rolling, and was — I hope — a step towards having more of my fellow AV designers start to think like AV/IT designers. The next step is to drill down more deeply and put our newfound language to use. I already have a second session planned in which we walk through more details of basic network design, subnetting, etc. What’s important for now is that we all know the broad concepts and that we all have the correct language.
After all, if you’re reading this you are most likely an AV professional. We are the experts, we are the ones counted on to offer guidance and direction. We can’t be the ones saying “Kodak” and still keep our position of expertise. Leave a Comment
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Matrox Announces Maevex Multi-Encoding and Decoding TechnologyMatrox Graphics today announced that it is expanding the Matrox Maevex product line of encoders and decoders with a new range of products designed for multiple real-time encoding, streaming, transcoding and recording. The Maevex 2 product line will feature a variety of form factors, including PCI Express cards, stand-alone appliances and OEM versions of the hardware and software, capable of supporting up to 64 channels of 4K capture, real-time encoding and streaming in a single 5U rack for high-density applications.
For extension and switching applications, Maevex 2 will provide Full HD, 4K and 8K extension and switching over standard IP including UHD at 60Hz with ultra-low latency.
For enterprise video management systems (VMS), Maevex 2 will feature Matrox Advanced Hybrid Streaming (AHS) which provides multiple source capture, real-time encoding and streaming, adjustable picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture, simultaneous stream and record, multi-protocol streaming, multiple concurrent bitrate streaming, and more.
For live streaming and recording in government and enterprise environments, Maevex 2 will provide maximum interoperability with third-party hardware and software. In addition to the market-leading real-time encoding resolution capabilities of Maevex 2 SKUs, the new products will be highly adjustable to bias for image quality to the point of near lossless video. 4:2:0 color sampling currently shipping on the Maevex 5150 Series will now be joined by Maevex 2 with support for up to 4:4:4 color sampling for the clear transmission of the most demanding detail in any application.
The new Maevex 2 product range will support commonly used streaming protocols such as RTMP, RTP, HTTP, MPEG2.TS and RTSP making new SKUs compatible with the current Maevex 5150 series and thousands of third-party hardware and software encoders, decoders, cameras, media players, network storage, mobile devices, browsers, and streaming media servers.
Matrox is further expanding the Maevex developer APIs to help OEMs, integrators and software developers incorporate Maevex features into their own applications including AV processors, digital signage software, enterprise video management software, the most challenging video and graphics recording applications, security and surveillance environments, and WAN and cloud tools for any need.
Here are all the technical details. Leave a Comment
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Canon Debuts New Laser Projector and Lens Line Canon has introduced the LX-MU800Z, the company’s first single-chip DLP Projector with a Laser-Phosphor light source spec’d at 20,000 hours of operation to reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO). Additional key features on the LX-MU800Z projector include native WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution, a spec of up-to-8000 lumens, a dynamic contrast ratio up to 10,500:1, and seven interchangeable lens options with motorized lens shift for installation flexibility.
Like every laser projector in the market, the LX-MU800Z Laser DLP Projector can be rotated 360 degrees at any angle on the vertical axis, and can also be used to project in portrait applications. The LX-MU800Z projector also offers seven interchangeable lens options. Additionally, the projector’s lens memory function can be used to store up to eight different custom lens positions, each including lens shift, zoom and focal length.
Lens Options:
- Ultra Wide Zoom LX-IL01UW 0.75 – 0.93:1
- Wide Zoom LX-IL02WZ 1.25 – 1.79:1
- Standard Zoom LX-IL03ST 1.73 – 2.27:1
- Middle Zoom LX-IL04MZ 2.22 – 3.67:1
- Long Zoom LX-IL05LZ 3.58 – 5.38:1
- Ultra Long Zoom LX-IL06UL 5.31 – 8.26:1
- Short Fixed Zoom LX-IL07WF 0.76:1
The LX-MU800Z’s inputs include 3G-SDI, HDMI, DVI-D and a built-in HDBaseT receiver allowing uncompressed HD video, audio and control signals to be transmitted over a single LAN cable with a maximum distance up to 328 feet (100m).
The new Canon LX-MU800Z Laser DLP Projector will list for $17,969 and here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces the Industry’s First 4K/60 @ 4:4:4 HDMI ScalersExtron has launched the DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A and DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi, in what the company is calling the AV industry’s first scalers that can process 4K/60 video signals at 4:4:4. HDCP 2.2 compliant HDMI 2.0 inputs and outputs support data rates up to 18 Gbps. The scalers incorporate the Extron Vector 4K scaling engine, developed internally by Extron’s expert team of signal processing engineers for critical-quality 4K applications. The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi provides the added flexibility of scaling and managing 4K/60 as a dual path signal. The scalers provide many integrator-friendly features, such as on-screen display, stereo audio embedding and de-embedding, internal test patterns, and the ability to display custom on-screen images and logos.
The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A and DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi incorporate Extron’s Vector 4K scaling engine. Vector 4K is the latest generation of Extron scaling, engineered in-house for critical-quality 4K signal processing. The Vector 4K scaling engine delivers the power and precision required to manage 4K content. Whether integrating legacy sources with 4K displays, or downscaling 4K content to HD displays, Vector 4K provides unparalleled processing and clarity for any 4K application.
The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A has a single HDMI input and output that support resolutions up to 4096×2160 at 60 Hz. The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi features a pair of HDMI inputs and outputs. The additional input and output allow integration with source devices and displays that support 4K as two columns. The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi can also accept two matched-resolution inputs for side-by-side display on a single screen, or provide duplicate outputs for driving a pair of displays.
In addition to 4K signal integration and processing capabilities, these scalers offer several features that enhance and simplify AV system integration. Custom images can be displayed as a screen saver, HDCP notification, or corporate branding. An image can also be displayed as a logo with full position and keying control. The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A and DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi also feature essential audio integration capabilities, including discrete, selectable analog and digital audio muting, input gain and attenuation, and output volume control.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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FSR Expands Project Wall Box Line With Upgraded PWB-450 Larger Size BoxFSR is expanding its popular Project Wall Box Line (PWB) with the new PWB-450 — one of the industry’s largest ETL Listed multi-purpose Project Wall Boxes. The PWB-450 is designed for applications where users need to mount larger interfaces or equipment in a wall box behind a display or in other custom applications. Its optional bracket has also been designed to mount Crestron’s larger DM-RMC-4K-SCALER-C 4K receiver/room controller, but FSR has also even more bracket options for Crestron and AMX/SVSi digital interfaces.
The PWB-450 mounts in a typical 4-inch deep wall between the studs in a standard 16-inch stud bay. It provides connectivity, internal device mounting and power in a secure and invisible manner. The cover is flush to the wall allowing the display to be mounted as close as its mount will allow. The cover is ventilated top and bottom to provide convection cooling as well as a cable exit slot to pass cables from the box to the display.
Inside the PWB-450 are four pre-wired AC outlets along one vertical side of the box which are isolated from the four accessory plate mounting brackets to allow AC and low-voltage connections within the same box. There is a 1⁄2-inch to 3⁄4-inch concentric knock out on the top and bottom of the box for the AC conduit connections. One-inch KOs in the divider plates allow the use of one or more accessory plates for additional AC connections.
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Kramer Launches VS-62HA, 6×2 4K Matrix SwitcherThe Kramer VS-62HA is a 4K@60 UHD (4:2:0) matrix switcher for HDMI (3D, Deep Color, x.v.Color, Lip Sync, ARC, HEAC pass-through, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD and 7.1 multi-channel audio) and analog audio signals that includes auto-switching and control. The VS-62HA reclocks and equalizes the signals and can route any input to either or both outputs simultaneously and the maximum data rate is 8.91 Gbps data rate (2.97 Gbps per graphics channel). Audio features include independent (breakaway) audio routing of embedded HDMI and analog audio content to two balanced audio ports.
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Canon Announces New Short Throw LCoS Projectors Canon introduced the REALiS WUX450ST Pro AV LCoS Projector. The newest short throw projector in Canon’s non-interchangeable lens product line, the REALiS WUX450ST has a native WUXGA resolution (1920×1200), is spec’d at 4500 lumens of brightness and uses Canon’s LCoS technology with AISYS-enhancement — all in a compact size (only 13.9 pounds). The REALiS WUX450ST projector’s 1.35x optical zoom, short throw ratio of 0.56:1 and 0 to 75 percent vertical lens shift and it has HDBaseT integrated as an input.
For those in the medical education and training fields, the REALiS WUX450ST D Pro AV Installation LCoS Projector is available with all of the same features of the REALiS WUX450ST, plus a special DICOM Simulation Mode for displaying monochrome digital X-rays, CAT scans, and MRIs with superb grayscale gradation. This unique mode, which offers both clear and blue base color temperature presets, simulates the results of devices compliant with the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Part 14 standard. This mode can also be utilized in other specialized applications like black and white photography where an expanded range of gamma adjustment is required.
The Canon REALiS WUX450ST projector lists for $7,329. The Canon REALiS WUX450ST D projector has a suggested list price of $7,959 and both are currently scheduled to ship by April 2016. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships CCI Pro 700 Conference Room Control Interface Extron is shipping the CCI Pro 700, the industry’s first control system user interface optimized for conferencing, collaboration and AV control. The CCI Pro 700 is designed to support the functions needed in a conferencing environment, while providing an intuitive room control user interface that includes a 3.5” color display, a numeric keypad and backlit buttons. The information display can be used to show contact information, call directories and call status. Buttons directly below the display can be used to navigate custom lists and menus.
The CCI Pro 700 also offers the convenience of Extron System Templates. These free, professionally-designed audio conferencing templates provide a starting point for configuration with downloadable GC Plus files that include GUI layouts and sample system logic.
The CCI Pro 700 is configured using Extron Global Configurator Plus or Global Configurator Professional and GUI Designer software and works in conjunction with any Extron IP Link Pro control processor. It operates using standard network infrastructure and is easy to install with reliable and cost effective Ethernet cable.
Here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Altinex Debuts UT260-052 Under Table 5×2 HDMI SwitcherAltinex just launched the UT260-052 Under Table 5×2 HDMI Switcher. The UT260-052 is a five input, two output switcher and is designed to be used with Altinex ShareTime controllers that enable shared control of multiple inputs on a single monitor. It uses all HDMI inputs and outputs.
The UT260-052 switcher has five HDMI video inputs that can be routed to two outputs. In addition to the five external inputs, there is a sixth internal media player input available to play MPEG files from a USB flash drive that can serve as a simple digital signage media player.
TV power (or power for a video display with support for CEC commands) and input selection on the UT260-052 is controlled through the use of CEC commands from the switcher. At power up or upon waking the system, the switcher turns on the TVs and then sets the TV inputs to those connected to the switcher outputs.
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Nureva Releases Span 1.2 softwareNureva has announced a new release of its software for the Nureva Span system. Span 1.2 software, which customers receive automatically through the cloud, further enables collaborative activities in several key ways. The addition of familiar business-analysis templates makes it even easier for teams to leverage the Span system as part of their established processes. An upgrade to the software’s digital ink automatically smooths pen strokes to improve the appearance of annotations and sketches, while visual cues and new menu options make the use of groups and subgroups more intuitive.
These software enhancements enable familiar business processes and activities. For example, the ready-made templates offer a selection of proven models for business analysis, including SWOT analyses, fishbone diagrams and Kanban boards. Each familiar framework helps guide thought processes and enables easy organization of ideas during collaborative sessions, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing the amount of preparation required. Along with tightening the focus of idea-generation and planning activities, templates also automate certain actions to bring visual consistency to content shared on the Span system’s digital canvas. For example, sections in color-coded templates serve as active hot spots that transfer their own color to the digital notes placed inside. Similarly, enhancements to grouping mean that a group or subgroup will now glow when content is added to indicate precise placement, and subgroups can now be pinned in place inside larger groups. Finally, calligraphic ink produces graceful, flowing pen strokes that are reminiscent of pen on paper and enhance any form of writing or drawing in the software.
Check out the update here. Leave a Comment
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New Crestron DMPS3-4K Series Are Designed for Small Meeting RoomsCrestron said its expanding expanding its line of DigitalMedia 3-Series Presentation Systems (DMPS3) with two new models designed specifically for single-display applications. The three DMSP3-4K models feature a built-in Crestron 3-Series Control System, analog and digital AV switching, 4K scaler and direct LAN connectivity with Crestron Fusion software for network management.
All three models feature built-in Crestron .AV Framework technology, which provides several powerful and vital features right out of the box, including auto-switching, plug-and-play installation with Crestron Connect It cable caddies, automatic display on/off via CEC, and intelligent connectivity with Crestron AirMedia presentations gateway for wireless BYOD capability.
Using .AV Framework from the touch screen or web-based tool, integrators can do system setup. They can choose sources and display control and automatically generate the touch screen GUI, to deliver an intuitive, consistent user experience in every room, without any programming, according to Crestron.
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Extron Unveils New Versions of DTP Switchers With Audio Embedding and HDBaseT CompatibilityExtron just launched new versions of the DTP T USW 233 and DTP T USW 333 three-input switchers now featuring analog stereo audio embedding and compatibility with HDBaseT-enabled devices. The DTP T USW switchers send HDMI or analog video, audio and control up to 230 feet (70 meters) or 330 feet (100 meters) over a shielded CATx cable. The switchers can embed stereo analog audio onto the digital video signal for transport over DTP. This streamlines integration and is particularly useful when connecting to displays without analog audio inputs. Additionally, a selectable HDBaseT output mode offers the convenience of sending digital video and embedded audio, plus bidirectional control signals over a shielded CATx cable to any HDBaseT-enabled display. The new DTP T USW versions with audio embedding and HDBaseT compatibility are now available.
Extron says the DTP Systems product family is the industry’s most comprehensive integration platform for small to medium-sized AV systems. This family includes a number of different extender models in a wide variety of form factors and video formats, plus a broad offering of distribution amplifiers, switchers, and matrix switchers with essential AV signal processing and control features. DTP Systems allow complete flexibility in designing systems precisely to application and budget requirements.
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Proxima Intros 3600-Lumen WXGA Portable ProjectorProxima Displays has announced the release of the C436W WXGA projector. The C436W is their first small and portable model and features a brightness spec of 3,600 lumens and WXGA 1280×800 resolution with LCD display technology. Inputs include two VGA, two HDMI, USB and RJ45 inputs and it lists for $899.
Featuring a 10,000-hour lamp life in eco mode, the C436W has automatic or manual keystone correction. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Christie Adds Four Laser-Phosphor Projectors with New GS Series Using Rec. 709Christie has announced new 1DLP lineup GS Series of laser-phosphor projectors, including two HD models with BoldColor Technology. The line is aimed at corporate meeting rooms, trade shows, entertainment venues and rental staging.
More advanced than previous GS models, the four professional-grade models use a grid-based warping and blending processor and also have an option for camera-based warping, blending or stacking to make setups faster and simpler. They can also be rotated 360-degrees and used in portrait orientation, making them ideal for complex setups in rental staging and medium-sized fixed applications. At only 35dBA, users won’t be distracted by projector noise and the new, sleeker design blends seamlessly into any environment. Lightweight and compact, the four new models deliver stunning images using a laser phosphor light source with a 20,000 hour life for low maintenance and a low cost of ownership.
While all four models tout improved color performance, the 850-GS models incorporate Christie BoldColor Technology for premium color performance. The increase in color balance to improve color accuracy results in the extreme bold colors audiences prefer. With two new HD and two more WUXGA laser phosphor models, Christie has a wide-ranging 1DLP lineup including both lamp and laser phosphor options ranging from 3,000 to 13,000 lumens without limiting options to one technology or another.
Featuring bottom-side HDMI connectivity and rear cover, the new Christie GS models can be ceiling mounted and have a very clean look without all the unused connections, cables and keypad being exposed. All RJ45 connections are fully compatible with the rugged and lockable XLR-shell connection to protect and avoid having to re-terminate cables onsite.
Here’s more information on each model. Leave a Comment
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Chief Ships Solutions for Mounting Surface HubChief is now shipping a custom heavy duty flat panel mount designed for the Microsoft 84” Surface Hub on walls. Chief already manufactures several mounts that can accommodate the 55” Surface Hub.
The PSMH2079 is a wall display mount option designed to quickly install the 84” Surface Hub. Key features include:
- +1.6° plum adjustment
- 3” (76 mm) lateral shift
- Q-Latch mounting system
- Low profile of 2.51” (64 mm)
For the 55” Surface Hub, Chief has the Fusion XSM1U wall mount, which comes with installer-friendly Fusion features:
- Centerless shift for post-installation lateral shift
- ClickConnect offers an audible click when the screen safely engages
- ControlZone post-installation micro-height and leveling adjustment
- Tool-free latching flags for additional padlock security
For mobile applications, the Fusion XPAU cart works with the 55” Microsoft Surface Hub. The cart’s sleek aesthetics are suitable for multiple environments. A turn knob adjusts the height from 48-65” (1.2-1.7 m). The cart also includes internal storage for rack mountable and non-rack mountable components. Tool free latching flags add padlock security.
A Fusion XVM1U cart will be available in Q2 for the 84” Surface Hub. Get more information here. Leave a Comment
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Optoma Launches Ultra-Light, Short Throw Projector Aimed at Both Business and HomeOptoma has introduced an ultra-portable ML750ST short throw WXGA (1280×800) one-chip DLP projector with LED lighting — aiming it for both home and commercial use — but it’s limited to 700 lumens. It’s priced at $550.
Weighing in at under one pound, the ML750ST offers all of the same features as its miniscule ML750 predecessor — plus short throw capabilities projecting a 100-inch diagonal image from only 68 inches away. The 3D-compatible ML750ST has the ability to display 3D content from any MHL-enabled mobile phone or tablet, as well as HDMI input to connect to laptops, PCs, games consoles or Blu-ray players. Microsoft Office, PDF, photo, video, audio and other files can also be accessed directly from built-in memory, a microSD card slot or USB connection. In addition, wireless connectivity can be leveraged via a WUSB Wi-Fi adapter, available for purchase separately.
Specs of the ML750ST include:
- Resolution: WXGA (1280 x 800)
- Brightness: 700 lumens
- Contract Ratio: 20,000:1
- Display Colors: 16.7 Million
- Throw Ratio: 0.8:1
- Projection Distance: 16″ – 135″
- Image Size: 25″ – 200″
- Audio: Built-in 1.5W speaker
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Middle Atlantic Adds SNE “Security” Series EnclosuresMiddle Atlantic Products today announced expanded capabilities for its premier security enclosure line, the SNE Series. The new End Cable Chase is a full-height, slim enclosure option that optimizes the space at the end of an enclosure bay by allowing additional devices to be mounted, including those that would otherwise reside on the wall. This enables the containment of all system components in one enclosure, which adds an additional level of security, frees up space on the wall, and reduces the amount of wiring necessary. The Internal Cable Duct securely and efficiently routes cables within 30″-wide SNE enclosures, ensuring signal performance and system reliability for mission-critical applications. With these new options, the SNE Series gives the security integrator the flexibility to build dependable and solid solutions to meet the specific requirements of IP, analog and hybrid security systems.
Building on the SNE offering’s seismic certification and raised-floor capabilities, the End Cable Chase gives integrators more space to integrate security components they traditionally could only mount on the wall, such as an alarm panel or access control equipment, as well as smaller devices. The End Cable Chase accommodates the series’ signature split side panels to allow integrators easier access to equipment within. It ships pre-configured and incorporates Middle Atlantic’s Lever Lock system, which facilitates cable management and small device mounting within the enclosure using unique tool-free cable management bars and accessory mounting plates. The top-mounted brush grommet panel provides a clean, organized cable entry method while maintaining critical thermal management to ensure all the components run smoothly.
The SNE Series Internal Cable Duct provides integrators with a cost-effective solution for protecting, routing, and organizing data cables, patch cords, and power cords inside SNE Series enclosures. Featuring durable plastic cable fingers and a dual hinge front cover, the Internal Cable Duct cleanly routes cables exactly where needed, preventing signal failures due to pinched and bent cables. Integrators can patch cables on multiple levels within the enclosure without modifications or causing potential system compromises.
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Crestron Intros Fusion Cloud and Accompanying PinPoint AppIf you’re using Crestron’s new Fusion Cloud Platform, or the on-premise version of this enterprise management platform, then you can use the company’s new PinPoint App — a personal, mobile scheduling app that lets employees take control of every aspect of their meetings, including scheduling, setup, execution and completion. Crestron says the app acts like a personal assistant: With an awareness of an employee’s location, it identifies nearby meeting rooms with the applicable technology and devices to meet the need of the meeting they have scheduled.
Embedded with something Crestron is calling “advanced room search capability” the app finds a room and then, once the meeting starts, can share content from their smartphones or tablets.
Crestron Fusion Cloud Platform provides real-time visibility into enterprises’ meeting spaces and building technology around the globe, down to the individual room and device levels. Crestron Fusion Cloud is designed for enterprises to fully optimize their rooms and technology by allowing a company to monitor all their sites from a centralized location without the need for additional IT infrastructure.
PinPoint is only available to companies that have Crestron Fusion Cloud or the on-premise version of this enterprise management platform. You can learn about PinPoint here and learn about Fusion Cloud here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Intros New TouchLink Pro Touchpanels With Capacitive Touch and Edge-to-Edge GlassExtron is introducing the TLP Pro 1720MG and TLP Pro 1720TG, 17ʺ wall mount and tabletop TouchLink Pro touchpanels with capacitive, edge-to-edge glass touchscreens. These 1920×1080 capacitive touchscreens provide a vibrant image and a more responsive control surface. As with all TouchLink Pro models, these new, customizable touchpanels feature faster processing and more memory. Both touchpanels feature video preview inputs that support high resolution, HDCP-compliant video from HDMI sources and XTP devices. For convenience, the touchpanels can receive power and communication over a single Ethernet cable. The TLP Pro 1720MG and TLP Pro 1720TG have stylish designs and powerful features that make them ideal for control applications requiring fully-customizable touchpanels with large control surfaces and multi-source video preview.
The TLP Pro 1720MG and TLP Pro 1720TG work in conjunction with any Extron IP Link Pro control processor and are designed for use in AV system applications that require complete, interactive control of a broad range of devices. All TouchLink Pro touchpanels operate using standard network infrastructure and are easy to install with reliable and cost effective Ethernet cable. They are customized using Extron GUI Designer software, which offers ready-to-use resource kits to help design a wide variety of interfaces for rooms and presentation environments. For mounting flexibility, the TLP Pro 1720TG can be removed from its base and mounted on any VESA standard mounting arm or bracket.
For more information on the TLP Pro 1720MG and TLP Pro 1720TG, go here. Leave a Comment
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Kramer Introduces DIP-30 4K Automatic SwitcherThe Kramer DIP-30 is a 4K UHD automatic switcher for HDMI, VGA, Ethernet, data and unbalanced audio signals. It supports resolutions up to 4K@60 UHD (4:2:0) and various modes of input selection and transmits the signal via HDMI cable to a compatible receiver (for example the VS-62H or when connecting directly to a display/projector). The DIP-30 is a step-in commander when connected to a matrix switcher that supports step-in over HDMI such as the VS-62H.
Specs include:
- Up to WUXGA, 4K/60Hz UHD (4:2:0)
- Max. data rate – 10.2Gbps (3.4Gbps per graphic channel)
- HDCP compliant with sources that support HDCP repeater mode
- HDMI support – Deep Color, x.v.Color and 3D
- Automatic live input detection based on video clock presence
- Automatic input selection based on priority selection or last connected input
- Manual input selection
- Automatic analog audio detection and embedding
- Control via Kramer Protocol 3000 and embedded Web pages over a LAN
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Peerless-AV Adds SmartMount for Microsoft Surface Hub Peerless-AV has announced its SmartMount line of mobile carts and flat, tilt and articulating wall mounts for the Microsoft Surface Hub.
For mobile solutions in corporate applications, hospitality events, and education settings, Peerless-AV’s stylish SmartMount Flat Panel Cart (SR598-HUB) was designed to securely mount the 55″ and 84″ versions of the Microsoft Surface Hub at Microsoft’s recommended display positioning height of 55″. The cart is UL rated up to 300 lbs. and offers vertical adjustment so the display can be positioned at any height up to 60″ from the floor, if needed. The large rolling casters provide a smooth way to move the displays from one location to the next while the locking feature offers a stable foundation for use in touch applications. The integrated cable management channels ensure a quick, simple, and aesthetically pleasing way to hide cables, completing the overall appearance and look of the cart as the perfect solution for the Microsoft Surface Hub in any environment.
Corner bumpers are provided on the base of the cart to protect doorways and walls from unintentional damage while moving the cart and if desired, an optional keyboard tray can be located on either column under the display. The SR598-HUB is the ideal mobile solution specially designed for the Microsoft Surface Hub.
For more permanent applications, Peerless-AV’s SmartMount line features a variety of wall mounts ideal for increasing the functionality of the Microsoft Surface Hub. The SmartMount Universal Flat Wall Mounts (SF650 & SF680-HUB) offer versatile installation features and mounting options for the 55″ and 84″ models. Horizontal and vertical adjustment abilities allow for post-installation leveling while a low-profile design offers a sleek look to fit into any décor. Security screws deter tampering and theft and an open wall plate design offers total wall access, increasing electrical and cable management options. A Hook-and-Hang system and Easy-Glide adaptors allow for a seamless installation that is easily managed.
With the SmartMount Articulating Wall Arm Mount (SA771PU), users can extend the 55″ Microsoft Surface Hub up to 26.60″ or fully retract it to just 3.10″ as well as vertically tilt it +15°/-5°,making it easier than ever to find the perfect viewing position for each and every use. The Articulating Wall Arm Mount’s I-Shaped Adaptor plate ensures accessibility to the back of the Microsoft Surface Hub and integrated cable management offers a clean installation.
The SmartMount Universal Tilt Wall Mount (ST650) series for the 55″ Microsoft Surface Hub also offers great adaptability, featuring IncreLok tilt technology to lock the tilt angle at installation to prevent tampering or moving. The ST650 features post installation adjustments, security screws, an open wall plate design, Easy-Glide adaptors that hook onto the wall plate, and more, all ensuring a perfect Microsoft Hub installation with an ideal user interface. Like the Flat and Articulating Wall Mounts, the ST650 ensures a quick, simple, and secure single-person installation.
You can check it out here. Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
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To send me feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas, Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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