Volume 7, Issue 4 — April 9, 2014
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Customer Service — It’s Where the Money Is
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
In September, I wrote about the struggle I sometimes feel when thinking about whether to develop a strong relationship with a vendor/manufacturer or to play the field. I decided to revisit that topic after some recent experiences, and some recent news.
One of the major reasons I questioned whether we would stay with a certain manufacturer had to do with the fact that many of our major AV companies are family owned and run. There is always a fear in my mind of what happens when the strong, powerful (but older) person running that company retires, or is no longer able to run the company. Creston Electronic’s George Feldstein this week took some of the guesswork out of what will happen with Crestron.
Feldstein named Randy Klein as the president and chief executive officer, along with Dan Feldstein as the vice chairman and chief operating officer. For me, this puts Crestron on a clear, stable path for the future. While many of us have looked at George Feldstein as the Steve Jobs of the AV industry (seriously, I was pumped to get to shake his hand at a Crestron, InfoComm party), he actually did some things better than Jobs. In particular, he made his company about products and people, not about George Feldstein. This was a great move by Mr. Feldstein and one that is sure to allow customers to continue to trust in the future of this company. While this is a great business move, it is also an excellent example of customer service. Are there others out there who will soon follow suit and let the world know what the plans are for the company when they decide to retire?
An experience that occurred recently has also inspired me to keep my integrator relationships strong. In January of this year, Bates College opened up a brand new digital media studio. This is a state-of-the-art video and audio editing space, complete with a fantastic broadcast studio. A feature of this space is the editing lab, with one LED television mounted on each wall. We planned a big grand opening party at the beginning of the semester to celebrate the space, and the generosity of the donor who helped make it possible. We had ordered four Sharp monitors and were installing them a few days before Christmas. When we fired them all up, we realized that one of them was not working. As we tried to figure out what was wrong with it, another monitor died on us. We soon realized that the backlight on both monitors was dead. A 50 percent failure rate did not impress us, particularly with five work days left before the grand opening.
We called the vendor, Headlight AV (who we buy EVERYTHING from) and explained the situation. Our terrific sale rep, Dave Keely, was all over it, until he ran into a brick wall. Sharp told us we had two choices. Box the monitors back up and ship them back for repair, or bring them to a service facility a hour or so away. From there they would be tested and repaired. No guarantee on timing, particularly during the holidays. So, I played my cards, fair or not. I told Dave that with the amount of money we spend with Headlight, we needed him to fix the problem, and have us four working monitors by the open house. This meant that Headlight would get stuck with the monitors, and have to get them repaired on their own, and then sell them, presumably for a significant discount. In other words, they were going to have to take a loss to keep me happy. Their response was, “No problem.” A few days later, Headlight drove the new Samsung monitors down to us, boxed up the Sharp monitors and took them away. The open house was a fantastic success and lab looked great with the four monitors.
It is clear here that Headlight could have told me that they just could not stand that loss. They could have forced me to try and get the monitors repaired, according to Sharp’s rules. However, they did not. They realized that by taking a small loss (because of a dumb return policy) they would cement their relationship with me, and they did. In fact, I hope this article even gives them a little extra publicity! On the other hand is Sharp, the TV manufacturer. I am still completely amazed at the response. They send me items that are DOA, and then expect me to go out of my way to get them repaired! What!? If companies wonder why Best Buy, and other big box stores continue to thrive, this may be a reason why. If I brought that TV back to Best Buy, you can sure as heck believe they would have replaced it, not told me to send it back for repair. If you are buying from manufacturers that are giving better service to the big box than you, perhaps you need to re-evaluate your relationships and start selling different brands,
What are your thoughts? Was Sharp fair in saying I needed to send the monitors back? Was I fair in asking Headlight to take a loss to keep me happy? If you are a re-seller, would you have taken the loss? I look forward to hearing from you. Leave a Comment
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Interactive Kiosks Are Making an Impact in Schools
By Kisha Wilson Marketing Manager, Slabb, Inc.
There is no doubt that technology has infiltrated our schools and I am happy that it did. I’m in my thirties, and the school I attended was vastly different from my nine-year-old’s school. I remember it was a ‘treat’ to use one of the few computers available at the school’s library, for the limited time you had it. Now they use smart boards and have their own personal computers or tablets. It’s an inevitable result of the technological evolution and it comes with many benefits.
Most educational institutions first started using interactive kiosks as a way to manage the registration of students, especially at university campuses. It eliminated the long lines, allowing students to enter their personal information, choose their classes and even pay tuition using a secure, user‐friendly platform. Kiosk usage has since been extended, allowing students to:
- Top up smart cards to avoid using cash for school transactions
- Access transcripts
- Obtain campus maps
- Participate in student and faculty surveys
- Obtain directions for the area around the campus
- Check in for events
- Obtain campus information and updates
- Conduct research via the internet
- Purchase books online
- Fill out applications for student clubs and volunteer organizations
Schools are also using kiosk technology to promote recycling. At Texas A&M, recycling kiosks allow users to earn points for every bottle or can they recycle. The points can then be redeemed for discounts at participating local establishments.
Three Williamson County schools announced that they will start using small electronic kiosks in their front offices. It is hoped that it will make some of the schools’ processes more accessible to parents. It will also enhance current security measures, providing visual documentation, including vehicle information, of anyone present at the campus.
School kiosks bring many benefits including:
- Reduced payroll and overhead costs
- Increased efficiency
- Less paperwork
- A great opportunity for school branding to promote school pride
- A more positive, effective student experience
One of our earlier projects included the installation of information kiosks in three different languages at Stoddert Elementary in Washington, D.C. These kiosks facilitated the school’s efforts to become more energy efficient. Since then, as their benefits are realized resulting in increased usage, we have installed many types of kiosks at educational institutions, each customized to address the specific needs of the school.
This column was reprinted with permission from the Digital Screenmedia Association and originally appeared here.
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Extron Intros Half-Rack, Four Input Scaler with DTP Extron’s new IN1604 DTP is an HDCP-compliant scaler with three HDMI inputs, a universal analog video input and a DTP output, all housed in a 1U, half rack enclosure. The IN1604 DTP is designed for installation beneath conference tables and in lecterns to provide localized switching support for sources such as presenter devices, as well as signal extension up to 330 feet (100 meters) over shielded CATx cable to reach a wall or ceiling-mounted display. The IN1604 DTP features automatic switching and a scaling engine that converts both HDMI and analog video sources.
The IN1604 DTP includes a DTP twisted pair output (HDBaseT-compliant) that can be used to extend video, audio and control to a DTP receiver behind a flat-panel display on a wall or above a ceiling-mounted projector, with the receiver powered over the same shielded CATx cable. Integrators can choose from a complete line of DTP 230 receivers for 230-foot (70-meter) signal extension or DTP 330 receivers for 330-foot signal extension, to accommodate distance requirements of specific applications. The DTP output can also be used for sending video and embedded audio, plus bidirectional control signals to any HDBaseT-enabled display (a projector or monitor with a direct HDBaseT input). The IN1604 DTP scaler includes 1080i de-interlacing and Deep Color processing and the box is integrated with Extron’s EDID Minder, Key Minder and SpeedSwitch.
Finally, the IN1604 DTP has some interesting audio integration capabilities that include HDMI audio embedding and de-embedding, audio switching with two individually assignable analog audio inputs, switching transitions, gain and attenuation adjustments for each analog input, output volume control, and input audio muting — a lot, quite frankly, for a small 1/2 rack width box. The IN1604 DTP can be controlled via front panel controls, on-screen menus, USB, RS-232, and contact closure with tally output.
Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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BenQ’s New M7 Series Aimed at SMB and ClassroomsBenQ America launched two projectors in its MX series in the form of the MX768 and MW769. Both are spec’d at over 4,000 ANSI lumens with a contrast ratio of 13,000:1. They are integrated with their SmartEco power-saving technology and are aimed at small meeting rooms and classrooms.
Featuring resolutions in both XGA (MX768) and WXGA (MW769), respective 4,000 and 4,200 ANSI lumens, the MX768 and MW769 projectors have LAN control to enable centralized remote monitoring and management; integration with Crestron RoomView, AMX, and PJLink; and have 1.5x (MX768) and 1.6x (MW769) zoom-lens ratios.
To enable PC-less presentations, the MX768 and MW769 provide wireless display options, allowing cable-free connections as well as HDMI, RJ45 and USB inputs. Other energy-saving features include “instant restart,” which allows rapid rebooting when the devices are accidentally switched off; up to 3,500 hours of lamp life with BenQ’s SmartEco lamp-saving technology; and a filter-free optical system, which reduces the projectors’ TCO.
The MX768 and MW769 projectors retail at $2,199 and $2,399, respectively and all specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Epson Intros PowerLite Pilot 2 for Centralized AV Switching, ControlEpson this week introduced the PowerLite Pilot 2 Projector Connection and Control Box. Wall mounted, the PowerLite Pilot 2 integrates into classrooms and supports advanced connectivity including VGA, HDMI, MHL and USB.
Built upon the platform of the PowerLite Pilot, the new PowerLite Pilot 2 delivers source switching and volume adjustments and also helps consolidate cables. The control box offers two HDMI ports, including one with MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) support for connecting multiple digital devices including mobile phones, tablets and other portable devices. The PowerLite Pilot 2 can also be used as an extension box, expanding the range of classroom cables that can be connected to it for added flexibility. It also includes a protective cable cover to prevent dust from entering.
Control is done via RS232, and available inputs and outputs include two HDMI (including one with MHL support), two VGA (computer 1 and 2) connectors with corresponding Audio (inputs/outputs), Composite Video, S-Video, AUX input (for use with portable audio devices), USB Type A, USB Type B and Rec Out. The PowerLite Pilot 2 also works with Epson ELPSP02 Active Speakers (optional, sold separately), a set of two wall-mountable speakers delivering 30 watts of powerful sound with a built-in amplifier, for a complete classroom control and extended audio solution.
The PowerLite Pilot 2 will be available in early May and list for $249. All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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VISIX Adds 4K Media Player for Digital SignageVISIX has now added a new digital signage media player capable of supporting 4K content (3840×2160). The player is powered by an Intel Haswell processor and HD 5000 graphics. Measuring only 4.25×6.5×1.63″ in size, the 4K player from Visix is a compact form factor but has a built-in power supply (no wall wart). Visix says that Wi-Fi is an option, but cable TV overlay is not. It has two outputs — HDMI and mini DisplayPort. The latter must be used for 4K applications.
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Extron Control Systems Do BYOD Via LinkLicenseExtron’s new LinkLicense is a way for people to use their tablet or laptop as the primary control interface in an Extron control system. LinkLicense gives integrators the freedom to choose control interfaces based on their customers’ specific needs, and gives users a much broader choice of control interfaces. All IPCP Pro control processors may be purchased with or without a LinkLicense.
System designers use Extron’s GUI Designer software to build custom interfaces to fit the needs of the users and the resolution of the target device. A unique benefit of LinkLicense is the ability to use GUI Designer to design interfaces for specific user roles. This capability allows a technician to view a custom, power-user interface that gives him full access to all controls and functions of the system. A presenter’s interface, on the other hand, would include only the controls and functions he would typically use. All interfaces are stored on the IPCP Pro control processor and can be viewed on tablets or laptops without the need to deploy or install expensive third party Apps. LinkLicense is easily accessed through the TouchLink for iPad App, as well as any Silverlight-enabled Web browser.
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InfoComm Intros InfoComm Connections: Regional Trade Shows for In-House Pros and Purchasers InfoComm plans to host a new series of two-day trade shows aimed at technology managers, in-house technical staff, institutional buyers and end-users. InfoComm Connections will debut in Philadelphia, October 22-23, 2014 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and will feature a combination of exhibits, speakers, industry training and networking opportunities.
“InfoComm Connections will feature a sampling of all that is great about the annual flagship North American InfoComm show. This first show will allow technology professionals from New England to the Carolinas the experience of a show within a very short travel distance from where they work,” said David Labuskes, executive director and CEO, InfoComm International. “This will allow over 2,000 in-house experts, technology managers and other attendees the ability to see a wide range of product demonstrations, attend keynote and training sessions, network and more.”
Several big name exhibitors have already expressed interest in participating in the event. It is expected that InfoComm Connections will ultimately feature about 80 exhibitors in 12,000 net square feet of space. “Getting in front of more end-customers is a major strategic goal of many of our technology manufacturing members, and it made sense for InfoComm to contribute to that goal by starting this series of shows,” said Labuskes.
In addition to InfoComm University training, InfoComm Connections will feature manufacturer training and partner group conference offerings in affordable, focused sessions.
Registration for the October event will open in July. InfoComm will hold a second InfoComm Connections show in San Jose, California, March 4-5, 2015. With the introduction of these new shows, InfoComm will no longer host the Washington, D.C.-based GovComm show.
To see all of InfoComm’s events, click here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships Compact Six Input Presentation Switcher, Perfect for Classrooms and Small Meeting Rooms Extron has started shipping its new MPS 601, a compact six-input, one-output media presentation switcher for digital and analog sources. It offers four, HDCP-compliant HDMI inputs and two RGB video inputs with analog stereo audio. RGB video and analog audio are digitized and switched through the HDMI output, without the need for additional signal conversion equipment. The MPS 601 features EDID Minder, which maintains continuous EDID communication between connected devices; and Key Minder, which continuously authenticates and maintains HDCP encryption between input and output devices to ensure quick and reliable switching.
The MPS 601 offers some interesting integrator-friendly features including cable equalization on each HDMI input, automatic color bit depth management, power for peripheral devices, and indicators for monitoring and troubleshooting. Multiple control options including front panel, RS232, contact closure and auto-switching between inputs streamline integration into various environments. Housed in a 1U half-rack width metal enclosure, the compact MPS 601 can be rack-mounted, installed in a lectern or mounted under a table.
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Chief Ships ConnexSysThe Chief ConnexSys Video Wall Mounting System is now shipping and. According to Chief, the four integrator-aimed features that make it install-worthy are:
Single strut channel install per row — for large walls, installers simply level a single strut channel and hang the mounts. This quickly aligns the entire row and removes the need for spacers to measure horizontally between mounts. The mounts work with strut channel that can be easily sourced locally. For multiple rows, simply use the height of the screen to measure between each row rail.
PowerZone Adjustment — Six points of tool-free height, tilt, lateral and depth adjustment are all found in one easy-to-access location. One tilt pivot point and a floating plane protect the display from damaging twisting and eliminate transfer of torque from the wall to screen. Three levels of lateral adjustment allow for precise alignment and protect screens from unnecessary collisions.
Generous Depth Adjustment — No wall is perfectly flat, and the more screens are added, the more difficult aligning video walls becomes. ConnexSys mounts allow the home position to be set anywhere between 4 to 7.3″ (102-186 mm) from the wall for perfect depth. Independent depth adjustments can be made on both sides of the mount to accommodate walls up to 2″ out of alignment horizontally. This helps meet needs for large video walls, recess video walls where matching the outer surface can be particularly difficult, and even single display recess applications.
RapidDraw Display Release — A controlled pull cord release gives installers access to any display on the video wall, removing the possibility of accidental pop-outs from people bumping into screens. The release also protects the displays by reducing the frequency and aggressiveness of screen pushing. Cords can be positioned to pull for release from any side. The mounts can be pulled out up to 13.7″ (348 millimeters) from the wall for ample access space. Engage the kickstand to 20 degrees for even more room to work.
Rigidity — A particular problem for installers is that displays lose their alignment if they are pulled out for service. Overzealous cleaning crews can also accidentally shift display alignment. Chief engineers added rigidity to the solution to prevent accidental screen shift from occurring when the screen is pulled out.
ConnexSys is available in landscape (LVS1U) and portrait (LVS1UP) versions with rails. Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships TeamWork Collaboration Extron’s new TeamWork 601 system that supports up to four digital laptops or tablets, and two legacy analog computer-video and audio sources, is shipping. Analog signals are digitized so that they can be switched to the display, along with native HDMI signals, on a single HDMI cable. TeamWork 601 works with most flat panel displays, laptops, and tablets. It also works with virtually any new or existing furniture system. Optional mounting hardware facilitates different collaboration table or work surface designs. Extron TeamWork is a fully customizable collaboration system that is ideal for corporate and education applications. Pre-configured packages, including the TeamWork 601, TeamWork 600 and TeamWork 400 are available for fast implementation with minimal setup.
The TeamWork system is designed for simple, intuitive operation with minimal training. Users simply connect their laptop or tablet to a TeamWork “Show Me” cable to start the system, then press the “Share” button to show their content on the presentation display. When done, users simply disconnect and walk away, and the TeamWork system automatically turns itself off and is ready for the next collaboration session. The TeamWork collaboration system is HDCP compliant and supports full resolution, full frame rate digital video up to 1080p/60 and analog computer-video up to 1920×1200. The TeamWork 601 system is complete and ready for installation, and includes four HDMI and two VGA “Show Me” cables, a switcher, a system controller, a Cable Cubby enclosure and other necessary system cables.
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Sharp Launches 4K Multi-Touch LCD Sharp’s new PN-K322B is a commercial-grade 32″ 4K resolution (3,840×2,160 pixels) LCD monitor using its IGZO technology, the company’s first 4K res monitor using multi-touch technology. Sharp’s IGZO technology is an energy-efficient LCD that enables smaller-sized pixels; the company has a dedicated microsite that explains the technology here. Brightness is spec’d at 300 cd/m2. Inputs are one DisplayPort, 2 HDMI (HDCP compatible), RS232C for control and a 3.5 mm-diameter mini stereo jack for audio.
The PN-K322B can be set up in a vertical (90-degree) or low-angle (25-degree) position thanks to a dedicated stand that allows the monitor to slide easily between the two angles. The vertical set-up enables easy viewing of the monitor, whereas the low-angle set-up is ideal for touchscreen operation and onscreen writing by hand. Seamlessly flush with the bezel, the PN-K322B’s full-flat screen is ideal for touchscreen operations that involve swiping from the edge of the screen. This touchscreen monitor is capable of recognizing 10 touch points at once, thereby expanding touch interface applications beyond merely writing on the screen. To prevent unwanted hand input when the user’s palm is resting on the touchscreen, a palm cancellation function can be selected to prioritize pen input.
The PN-K322B supports MST (Multi-Stream Transport) mode as specified by the DisplayPort 1.2 standard. A single DisplayPort cable can transfer 3,840 x 2,160 video signals at 60 fps, resulting in smooth rendering of high-resolution video and fluid mouse operation. IGZO technology and edge-lit LED backlighting enable the PN-K322B to offer a slend profile, measuring only about 36 millimeters at the thickest point.
Complete specs are available here. Leave a Comment
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Epson Now Holds 39 Percent of Projector Market Share in U.S.According to PMA Research, Epson continues to hold the number one position in North America for 2013 with a market share of 39 percent, representing a five-point increase year-over-year. With positive revenue growth four years in a row, Epson had the largest total revenue increase in the North American projector market in 2013 with a 24 percent share, which represents a nearly six-point increase year-over-year.
The two largest market share segments for Epson are home entertainment (52 percent of the native 1080p category) and SMB with a 37 percent market share. Recently, Epson launched a line of high brightness projectors (4,000+ lumens) and it will be interesting to see the company’s growth in that category for 2014 — it should be quite large.
One thing that’s interesting to note is that Epson only sells 3LCD projectors — no DLP.
The entire market study is here. Leave a Comment
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BTX Offers New Reach US Bee 8 Capture SystemThe Bee 8 Training Capture System is an all-in-one network streaming and recording device from Reach US. Featuring redundant recording on both an internal hard drive and a front USB thumb drive so an event is never lost, the Bee 8 has an integrated browser-based menu which makes it easy to operate and manage.
This network-based recording and streaming device can synchronously record audio, video and computer screen signals from three different HD sources. The Bee 8 can also stream content live via h.264 which makes it capable to watch anywhere and the recorded MP4 file makes it portable to be played back on almost anything.
Built on an embedded operating system and designed to run continuously 24/7, the Bee 8 Network Recording Appliance is available from BTX here. Leave a Comment
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Kramer Introduces the PT-1C EDID Processor Kramer’s new PT-1C is an EDID troubleshooter of sorts. Have problems with the way Apple handles HDCP, especially when integrating video conferencing systems? One of four back panel dip-switches turns HDCP on or off. When placed immediately downstream from a Mac with the HDCP off, the Mac outputs a non-encrypted signal that Kramer says solves these issues with Apple’s implementation of HDCP. The PT-1C does not bypass HDCP rules and cannot remove HDCP from a signal if it is present.
A second dip-switch on the PT-1C limits color depth. In situations where bandwidth on certain legacy equipment does not support Deep Color, the PT-1C can be used to ensure that only 8-bit color is passed.
There’s an audio dip-switch that provides a means for limiting the output of an upstream device to two-channel LPCM (Linear Pulse Code Modulation) for cases where the target EDID is asking for an audio type that other system devices do not support.
Finally, the fourth switch is an EDID lock that allows the user to lock in the EDID from the connected display or other displays/EDID sources.which draws its power from the HDMI cable and it has four DIP-switches on the back panel.
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Extron Adds 12 New TouchLink Pro Touch PanelsExtron today introduced 12 new TouchLink Pro touch panel models with faster processing, more memory and enhanced security. Five of these models are available in new 5″, 12″, and 15″ sizes with capacitive touchscreens. The four largest models feature edge-to-edge glass and video preview inputs that support high resolution HDCP-compliant video from HDMI sources and Extron XTP devices. These touch panels work with the new IP Link Pro family of control processors and are customizable using Extron GUI Designer software, which offers templates and resource kits for a number of different environments and applications. Available in a variety of form factors and mounting options, all models are also PoE and offer a variety of integration features. More information is here.
In addition to these touch panels, Extron is also introducing the TLI Pro 101 TouchLink Interface, which allows third party touch screen displays to be used as control interfaces within an Extron Pro Series control system. Leave a Comment
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Casio Introduces Bright Laser/LED Hybrid Ultra Short Throw Projector Casio today introduced its first lamp-less ultra short throw projector, the XJ-UT310WN. With brightness up to 3,100 lumens and a throw ratio of 0.28:1, Casio says the XJ-UT310WN is the brightest ultra short throw on the market without a lamp. It enables users to project an 80″ image from 18″ away. Other features include:
- WXGA resolution
- Wireless connection to smart phones and computers (802.11b/g)
- 2 GB of built-in memory
- HDMI, RGB and video inputs
- Audio inputs and a built-in 16-watt speaker
- 20,000 estimated life
- Dust-resistant design
- Fixed lens and mirror system
- Laser and LED hybrid light source
Casio’s free mobile application (Apple iOS and Android compatible) allows users to display and annotate presentations from a mobile device, as well as capture and save. They can also open an Internet browser and display content in real-time. There is also an image capture function using the mobile device’s camera to snap an image and send it to the projector. Casio says the primary target for this projector is the education market.
Casio says the XJ-UT310WN will be available in Q3 2014 with an MSRP of $1,999.99. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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InfoComm Replaces CAVSP With APEx, Audiovisual Providers of Excellence DesignationEarlier this week, InfoComm debuted its new Audiovisual Providers of Excellence (APEx) designation. InfoComm APEx replaces InfoComm’s Certified AudioVisual Service Provider Program (CAVSP), which will conclude at the end of the year.
InfoComm APEx will also recognize a broader base of industry certifications beyond InfoComm’s CTS credential as a sign of commitment to quality.
The InfoComm International Audiovisual Providers of Excellence program also mandates the use of two industry standards to foster better communication between the AV provider and the client. Because both the ANSI/INFOCOMM Standard Guide for Audiovisual Systems Design and Coordination Processes and the AV System Performance Verification Standard were developed in an open, consensus-based process, approved by an independent outside body, and are aimed at providing proper communication and documentation between the AV industry and the client, using both on several projects is a requirement. InfoComm makes all of its standards available to its members at no charge in order to drive the adoption of practices that will advance the industry.
Creating a program that acknowledges outstanding companies of all sizes was a priority, and requirements vary based on the number of company employees. InfoComm will invest in a substantial online campaign to promote APEx companies to end-customers. A toolkit that APEx companies can use to promote their designation will be made available to participating companies.
While this program is aimed at integrators and design consultancies, InfoComm will unveil related programs for the live events, technology manager and manufacturing communities later this year, with input from these constituencies.
All the information for what’s available so far is here. Leave a Comment
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New Version of Extron IN1608 Scaling Presentation Switcher Offers Built-In Control Processor Extron’s IN1608 IPCP is a new addition to the IN1608 product family that features a built-in Extron IP Link Pro control processor. You may already know that the IN1608 is an AV system in one box, including an HDCP-compliant, multi-format video switcher, a scaling engine, integrated DTP 230 transmitter and receivers, a mono or stereo amplifier, comprehensive audio processing, and now has added a control processor that is uniquely expandable.
The IN1608 IPCP features a built-in IP Link Pro control processor, with the same advanced features, processing power, and technologies found in the standalone Extron IPCP Pro control processors. The IN1608 IPCP delivers high-speed processing and control port capacity for complete, customizable control of an entire AV system, including all source devices and displays, plus room functions. You can connect an Extron TouchLink Pro touch panel to the built-in Gigabit Ethernet switch (without the need for an external interface) directly to the IN1608 IPCP.
As with all Extron control systems, the IN1608 IPCP is intuitive and configurable with their Global Configurator software. The latest version of Global Configurator includes features such as conditional logic, local variables, and macros. Global Configurator Professional adds unprecedented scalability with Controller Groups, a unique feature that allows an IN1608 IPCP to be combined with additional IP Link Pro processors to create a large-scale control system. This is aimed at not only rooms, but controlling multiple systems or even remote locations around the world. IN1608 IPCP systems throughout a facility, building, campus, or offices worldwide can be monitored and managed using Extron GlobalViewer Enterprise server-based software.
With the purchase of an Extron LinkLicense with the IN1608 IPCP, a tablet or laptop can serve as the primary control interface for the AV system. A unique benefit of LinkLicense is the ability to use Extron GUI Designer software to design interfaces for specific user roles in an organization. LinkLicense works seamlessly with Extron’s TouchLink for iPad app, and allows an interface to be duplicated to many additional devices. It simplifies deployment of AV system control for BYOD with a single license purchase per system and no per-user fees, and allows a standardized BYOD strategy for AV control across an organization.
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Extron’s TLI Pro 101 TouchLink Interface Allows Third Party Touch Panel Use Extron’s TLI Pro 101 TouchLink Interface allows a third-party touch screen display to be used as a user-interface to an Extron Pro Series control system. Integrated with scaled HDCP-compliant HDMI input for video preview and a scaled output that supports displays from 800×600 to 1920×1200, as well as HDTV 1080p/60, it also includes Power over Ethernet (PoE) to allow the TLI Pro 101 to receive power and communications over a single Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for an additional power supply. The TLI Pro 101 works with any Extron IP Link Pro control processor, enabling third party touch screen devices to be used for complete, interactive control of a broad range of source devices.
As with all TouchLink Pro touch panels, the TLI Pro 101 operates using standard network infrastructure and is easy to install with reliable and cost effective Ethernet cable. The TLI Pro 101 and all TouchLink Pro touch panels are customized using Extron GUI Designer software.
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And The Winner Is: LCDIn the industry’s first-ever independent survey asking AV’ers which projection technology, LCD or DLP, they prefer, LCD has won in a big way. We will do this survey annually in the future, so we’ll see how it evolves over time.
Our February survey was pretty simple — Which technology do you prefer: LCD or DLP, in eight different applications? The applications included:
- House of Worship
- K-12 & Higher Education
- Rental
- Staging
- Conference Room/Boardroom
- Large Screen Entertainment
- Healthcare
- Government and Security
The survey garnered nearly 5,000 votes and the clear winner — in seven of the eight applications, the winner was LCD. We did have a ninth category (home theaters), but we had some major some ballot-stuffing from projector manufacturers — so we threw that category out (we will, however, give our readers another opportunity to re-vote on that category this summer).
In any case, we complied the results in an infographic, which you can check out here.
Have you seen our article on Sony’s new Laser Projection Technology? No? Well, you should read it. Because sooner than you probably think, it will be the competitor to LCD and DLP technology. 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
To read more about rAVe’s team and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top |
Copyright 2014 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: Sara@rAVePubs.com
rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
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