This month’s column is a little bit different from others in the past. I some ways, I am not ever writing about AV or education. Instead, I am writing about something that is near and dear to all tech manager’s hearts, and I am assuming everyone who does work of any type: management. How do you keep track of your projects and your people? Last month, I wrote about how crazy August and September are for people in the education world. It gets to the point by the end of August, I am asking the people that work for me the same question, three times in an hour, just to make sure we don’t miss anything.
For years, I have struggled with finding the right tool to manage and plan the projects. I was always a whiteboard kind of guy. My office whiteboard had lists of projects, green-lighted projects, costs, calendars and assignments. At meetings, we could look at the board and make sure we were on track. It was easy to change when necessary and clear to read. The only real problem with the whiteboard was that we could only look at it when we were in the office. At a planning meeting elsewhere, or at home at night, I could not refer to it and answer question. Then, a year ago I discovered an even bigger problem. In any type of disaster (in our case a flood), you lose access to the board, and perhaps even all the information on it.
Several months ago at a conference I attended someone told me that they use a computer application to track and manage their projects. I looked into the software, and after about 30 minutes I was completely in love. It has some major features that I look for in tools I want to use. In particular it is free, it is Web-based, it has apps for mobile devices, it’s easy to use and it works!
It is called Trello. Finish reading this column and then go download it.
When you first start using the application it is a little confusing. The problem with it is that it is so flexible, that it takes you a few minute to figure out how to use it get it setup for what works for you. So many of the applications for project management drive you into using their fields, and using it the way they have designed. This lets you completely decide how the application will work for you and your projects.
The concept of Trello is that it is an online bulletin board, or whiteboard. You start by creating a board. On that board you create “lists” and inside of these lists you put cards. Inside of the cards you can put due dates, checklists, labels and attachments. In addition, you can add “members” by simply inviting them to the card via their email address.
As a department we use it for a number of situations. One instance is using it for managing our help desk. We have a board called Room Issues. All calls that come in, go into a card called Problem Report. A short description is entered for each problem report. Obviously, but importantly, it is time-stamped and recorded who entered the call. In fact, you can even add a card via email. So, your customers could enter help requests via email that automatically get entered on your board. Internally, we then assign people to cards and enter due dates, based on the priority of the problem. When the tech takes the call, they move the card to a list called Taken. When they have fixed the problem, they put in notes on what the problem was, and the card gets moved to a Completed list. At our weekly meetings we review all lists, including the completed list before we “archive” the call.
In another instance we have a board for our Digital Media Studios. All project requests that come in get put on a Board called Video Projects. Again, notes are taken and people are assigned. The cards are then moved to appropriate lists based on the staff who took on the project. At each staff meeting we review the taken cards, check on the progress and assign the cards that are not taken.
For our project work we use a board we have called Projects. In this board we have a list for possible projects, green lighted projects and projects that are in process. We use checklists in each of the cards on this list to determine where are on any of these lists.
The best feature of this system is the fact that it is web based. This allows us to see the status of anything we are doing, any time, any place. For the project board, my boss has view access. This allows him to stay up to date on how the projects are progressing and what new projects may be in the pipeline.
If you have struggled for a method to manage your people, and your projects, try this tool. Give it 30 minutes and play with it. I think you will really love it. What do you think? Have you used Trello? Do you use an application that you think is better? Let us hear your comments!
BenQ is shipping the latest in its M6 series, the MW665 projector, which is aimed at houses of worship, classrooms and boardrooms. It offers 3,200 ANSI lumens of brightness, a 13,000:1 contrast ratio and is integrated with SmartEco energy-saving features to lower the projector’s total cost of ownership (TCO).
Featuring BenQ’s Colorific technology and using native WXGA (1280×800) resolution DLP chip, the MW665 includes HDMI, VGA, wired LAN display and control, in addition to wireless connectivity. When paired with the BenQ QPresenter Pro app, participants can collaborate and share documents, photos, and Web content directly from their mobile devices or laptops. And, the MW665 also provides support for AMX, Crestron and PJLink systems.
When using the projector’s SmartEco mode, BenQ says the MW665 automatically adjusts lamp power by up to 70 percent. For environments where the projector has to remain powered on, BenQ’s LumenCare setting enables the unit to maintain constant brightness for the first 2,100 hours of lamp life. To further reduce power consumption, an “Eco Blank” mode allows presenters to blank out the screen whenever projection isn’t needed, while a “No Source Detected” mode automatically lowers brightness to 30 percent when no signal has been detected for more than three minutes. In “Standby” mode, the projector will lower power consumption to less than 0.5 watts during periods of inactivity, providing even greater energy savings and further lowering TCO.
Transformative Engineering Debuts Simple HDMI to CATx Extender
Transformative Engineering’s new HLE-1 Lite HDMI Extender uses a version of HDBaseT known as “HDBaseT Lite” for HDMI extension up 70 Meters, along with bi-directional IR over a single CAT5e or CAT6 UTP cable. Using a single 24V DC power supply injected at the transmitter side and also providing remote power to its companion receiver module. The HLE-1’s HDMI features include support for 4Kx2K resolution, 3-D, and all current audio formats including DTS-HD and Dolby True-HD.
The HLE-1 includes built-in cable length compensation that supposedly works with no dials or switches (not sure how this is possible with various lengths) and it has a single HDMI input, one HDBaseT RJ45 output, and bi-directional IRDA connections that are Xantech compatible.
The Transformative Engineering HLE-1 kit consists of one HLE-1TX HDMI transmitter module, one HLE-1RX HDMI receiver module, and the 24V power supply. The HLE-1, which is backed by a three-year warranty, is currently available to dealers and has a suggested retail price of $349.
Extron Introduces Six-Input, Four-Output Audio Expansion Processor With AEC and Dante
Extron has introduced the AXP 64 C AT, an audio expansion processor with six mic/line inputs and four line outputs for remote connectivity to a Dante-enabled DMP 128 audio system. It is used to place six mic/line sources onto a Dante audio network and route any four Dante channels from the network to an amplifier or other destination. The AXP 64 C AT features Extron ProDSP with gain, filtering and dynamics processing for all inputs and outputs. Four of the inputs also include AEC, 48 volt phantom power, and control ports. FlexInputs offer the additional capability to process Dante channels in place of the first four local inputs. A single Ethernet cable from one AXP 64 C AT, or several linked units, to a central equipment rack greatly reduces the effort and expense of pulling one cable for each endpoint.
The AXP 64 C AT includes four independent channels of AEC with advanced algorithms for fast convergence and optimal intelligibility in conferencing applications. The AEC-enabled inputs also offer FlexInput capability to route a Dante channel through the processor in place of a local mic/line input. The flexible input selection enables the AXP 64 C AT to process audio from remote wireless microphones, wall plates, and other sources from anywhere on the Dante network.
In an installation with a large number of mics, the AXP 64 C AT audio expansion processor places audio signals onto the Dante audio network using standard IP networking. Signals are received as expansion inputs at one or more DMP 128 AT processors. A sound system designer can incorporate several AXP 64 C AT or Extron AXP 50 C AT audio expansion processors to create a large mixing matrix with up to 56 remote inputs and 24 outputs per DMP 128 AT using the built-in four-port Gigabit switch. This greatly simplifies scalability and the audio cabling infrastructure by avoiding long analog mic cable runs. To further simplify the audio cabling infrastructure, the AXP 64 C AT converts four channels from the Dante network to line level audio signals, processes them, and routes the optimized audio to local sound reinforcement systems.
Peerless-AV Adds New Line of Ceiling Mounts for Displays, ProjectorsPeerless-AV this month announced a new line of ceiling mounts for flat panel displays and projectors. Aimed at both residential and commercial applications, the line consists of three products:
ST940-EXA/B/C: Three extension lengths (A, B, or C) of a flat panel ceiling mount for 22″-40″ displays that have a combined extension range of 13″-43″. Mounts are available in black or white finish.
PJF3-UNV (Flush Mount) and PJF3-EXA/B/C: Four extension lengths (Flush, A, B, or C) with a combined extension range of 13″-43″ and a ball-and-socket-style projector mount for projectors up to 50 pounds. Mounts are available in black or white finish.
PRG3-EXA/B/C: Three extension lengths (A, B, or C) with a combined extension range of 13″-43″ and a precision gear style projector mount for projectors up to 50 pounds. Mounts are available in black or white finish.
With a column comprised of aluminum, the mounts are 60 percent lighter than traditional steel designs, further simplifying the installation process. Plus, the column acts as an internal cable management system, concealing the cables for a seamless look that can blend into most architectural designs. A cosmetic cover for the ceiling plate completes the look.
Peerless-AV’s new line of ceiling mounts feature tool-less display height and tilt adjustment as well as a combined extension range from 13″ to 43″. The mounts are OSHPD approved and UL/CUL certified. They will be available later this month. Here are all the specs.
BenQ America has just launched its brightest projectors yet with the SH963 and TH963. Both are specified at 6,000 lumens using a two-lamp system. Using native 1080p DLP chips, they’re both integrated with the Hollywood Quality Video (HQV) processing technology from Qualcomm, have optional long- and short-throw lenses and they are both categorized as large venue projectors. They also have a spec of a contrast ratio of 8300:1.
They offer 1.5x zoom capabilities, horizontal/vertical lens shifting, 2D keystone correction, and an embedded test pattern and the TH963 offers optional short-throw or long-throw lenses. Inputs include HDMI, VGA, five BNC and network posts. Also, with a LAN control feature, the projectors also provide support for Crestron, SNMP, PJLink, and AMX systems, Extron for enabling remote management and control in addition to projector maintenance from workstations.
Using Colorific technology, both projectors also include power-saving features such as an “Eco Blank Mode” that allows presenters to blank out the projection screen whenever the projector is not in use and a standby mode, where users can lower power consumption to less than 0.5W while the units are inactive. Lamp replacement is via access from the side or top of the projector and BenQ says a filter-free optical system further reduces the TCO of the devices.
The SH963 and TH963 projectors are now shipping and specs are here.
HARMAN’sAMX announced that all models of Enova DGX Digital Media Switchers are now integrated with the company’s NetLinx NX Series control processor with no change in pricing. DGX models (DGX 8, 16, and 32) incorporating the new NX control processors began shipping Aug. 11, 2014. NX Series controllers have been shipping in the Enova DGX 64 chassis since its release in April 2014.
AMX says the new DGX models include a 1600 MIPS processor and supports wired 802.1x and IPv6 IP addressing.
Extron Ships Compact Four Input Scaler with DTP Extension
Extron is now shipping its DLP version of its 1604 Switcher, the IN1604 DTP — an HDCP-compliant scaler with three HDMI inputs, a universal analog video input and a DTP output, in a compact 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 provides the convenience of fast and reliable switching, along with a high performance scaling engine for HDMI and analog video sources.
The IN1604 DTP includes a DTP twisted pair output 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 signal extension up to 230 feet (70 meters) or DTP 330 receivers for signal extension up to 330 feet, 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. The IN1604 DTP features an advanced scaling engine that can scale HDMI and analog video signals to a common high resolution output. It provides high performance 1080i de-interlacing and Deep Color processing to deliver optimal image quality. With Extron EDID Minder, Key Minder and SpeedSwitch, integrators can easily connect sources and a display with plug-and-play simplicity, automatic device negotiation and nearly instantaneous switching.
The IN1604 DTP integration-aimed features include HDMI audio embedding and de-embedding, flexible audio switching with two individually assignable analog audio inputs, switching transitions, gain and attenuation adjustments for each analog input, output volume control, and selectable audio muting. The IN1604 DTP also features convenient options for remote control and operation, including front panel controls and on-screen menus, USB, RS232 and contact closure with tally output.
FSR’s newest matrix switcher is the DV-HMSW4K-88, an 8×8 switcher for routing HD sources to any eight HDTV displays. Capable of routing up to 4K resolution content, the DV-HMSW4K-88 also manages multichannel digital audio formats such as PCM, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio and control is accomplished via front-panel push buttons, IR remote control, RS232 or via the network.
FSR says the DV-HMSW4K-88 supports resolutions up to 1080p@60Hz, 48-bit deep color, 4k@30Hz; allows any source to be displayed on multiple displays at the same time; allows any HDMI display to view any HDMI source at any time; allows PCM, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD as well having a master audio pass through HDMI output. This HDCP-compliant matrix switch is built with integrated rack-mounting ears and offers full 3D pass through. (EDID management is on all inputs and outputs.) It includes nine IR receivers, eight IR transmitters a handheld IR Remote Control and power supply.
Polycom and Crestron Use Sharp BOARD to Compete with CiscoThe recent success of the new MX Series from Cisco is driving Sharp Imaging, a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, and its 80-inch (diagonal) AQUOS BOARD (PN-L802B) to partner with Crestron (for the RL) and the Polycom (for the CX8000) group collaboration solutions. The interactive display comes as part of Crestron and Polycom’s Lync Room System that is primarily geared toward enterprise solutions. So, obviously, the SHARP 80-inch AQUOS BOARD has been qualified as part of Crestron RL and Polycom CX8000’s Lync Room Systems.
Sharp’s PN-L802B system is a native resolution 1920×1080 LCD that’s LED backlit and can be used as a digital whiteboard. The 80-inch display is one of the larger models to operate with this particular meeting room solution by Crestron RL and the Polycom CX8000 for Microsoft Lync, which other models includes the 55-inch class and 65-inch class displays.
Kramer Intros Wire Optimized for HDBaseT Transmission
Kramer’s new BC-HDKat6a cable is designed to work with its DGKat twisted pair products that output HDBaseT signals. Kramer says that in testing 4K signals sent via HDBaseT transmitters and receivers at InfoComm, Kramer’s cable achieved the best performance registering measurements of 0.362, 0.482 and 0.362 errors per billion in three successive tests utilizing a Quantum Data 980 test generator. Utilizing the same set up, competitor’s cables measured from 0.845 to 14.468 errors per billion. The cable contains four shielded twisted pairs (U/FTP) of 23AWG solid copper conductors are cabled together in an unshielded outer jacket.
Kramer’s BC-HDKat6a cable is available in bulk spools of 1,000 feet (305 meters) and here are the details.
Extron Introduces Two New IP Link Pro Control Processors
Extron has added two more control processors to its line: the IPL Pro CR88 and IPL Pro IRS8. The IPL Pro CR88 features eight contact closure inputs and eight relay ports, while the IPL Pro IRS8 features eight one-way IR/serial ports. These are both compact IP Link Pro control processors and include all the features found in the entire IP Link Pro family including power, speed and memory, as well as Ethernet control and enhanced security. They are compatible with TouchLink Pro touch panels and are ideally suited to take advantage of the advanced configuration options within Extron’s Global Configurator Plus and Global Configurator Professional.
The IPL Pro CR88 and IPL Pro IRS8 are compatible with GlobalViewer Enterprise software for complete, centralized AV resource monitoring, management, and control over a computer network. They are ideal for use as either primary control processors in smaller AV systems or as secondary control processors in AV applications that require control for multiple devices.
EPSON Intros New WideScreen ProAV Projector LineEpson today introduced two new EX Pro series projectors with built-in wireless projection and integrated with the new Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) connector. The new EX7235 Pro (list for $649) and EX7230 Pro (list for $599) are meeting rooms projectors that both have 3,000 lumens of color light output and 3,000 lumens of white light output and are native 1366×768.
The EX7235 Pro includes a Wi-Fi module and a new quick connect on-screen QR code feature for easy wireless setup. To present wirelessly from mobile devices, users can take advantage of Epson’s iProjection App. In addition, supporting the latest in wired connectivity, both the EX7235 Pro and EX7230 Pro include an HDMI port, which supports MHL, to display content from MHL-enabled smartphones and tablets.
270K Interactive Displays Sold in Q2 2014Interactive whiteboards and interactive flat panel displays in the education and corporate sectors achieved close to 270,000 unit sales in Q2 2014, a similar volume to Q2 last year and a good pick up after a quiet Q1, according to the latest quarterly research from Futuresource Consulting.
“The product shift from interactive whiteboards to interactive flat panels is gaining momentum, but has yet to make the jump across to all countries,” says Colin Messenger, senior market analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “IFPD volumes are significant, accounting for one in every four displays sold globally. There were nine vendors showing IFPDs at the recent ISTE conference, which should also contribute to future growth.”
Asia Dominating, USA Subsiding, But at a Slower Rate
Asia bounced back in Q2 with an increase of 12 percent YoY, while China posted strong growth of 18 percent YoY. Asia still dominates the market with sales of over 150,000, which accounted for two thirds of the global share. Asia is forecast to remain the largest region for the next five years with over 40 percent share in 2018.
USA sales almost reached 50,000 displays, an 11 percent YoY decrease. This was a marked improvement from the 20 percent decreases from previous quarters. Over half of classrooms already have an interactive display with penetration now at 60 percent and this will increase to 74 percent by 2018.
EMEA on Track
EMEA performed below last year’s results, mainly due to low volumes in Russia. Russian sales have been hit by budget cuts, currency exchange rates and new tender legislation.
The second phase of the FATIH project in Turkey has now started and Futuresource projections show that this will account for over one third of all sales in EMEA this year.
In the UK, interactive flat panel displays are taking significant market share away from interactive whiteboards, which in turn will create the faster value growth.
The Global Perspective
The latest round of Futuresource research shows that the total display technologies market of interactive whiteboards, interactive flat panels and interactive projectors will exceed 1.3 million devices by 2018. However, the adoption rates of these three products are very different by country and even by region. (Futuresource has compared all three technologies in 67 countries.)
“In 2013, seven million tablets were purchased by schools across the globe and this has definitely contributed to the increased competition for education budgets,” says Messenger.
“The scale of the corporate space presents a number of alternative opportunities. Moving forward we see the corporate market as the fastest growing sector, increasing to 24 percent by 2017, with the growth coming from more developed markets like the U.S., UK, Germany and Sweden.”
The Interactive Displays Quarterly Market Track is a comprehensive service, based on actual sales-in data from vendors. The service covers both interactive whiteboards and interactive flat panels in education and corporate sectors.
Chief has released several accessories for integrating systems in in-wall and above-ceiling applications. A new Component Adapter Bracket (PACUNV1) enables attachment of AV equipment inside the in-wall box series (PAC525 and PAC526). Simply snap the bracket into the existing wire tie anchor points — no assembly hardware required.
For the above-ceiling storage solutions, Chief has 1RU Rack Mount Brackets (CMS1RU) and a Plenum Rated Fan Kit (CMSFAN). The brackets allow for mounting 1RU rack electronics in the 2×2 size enclosures. The fan kit provides 100 CFM of air movement for active cooling and works with both the 1x2and 2×2 enclosures.
In addition, Chief has launched new in-ceiling plenum rated boxes that drop-down for ceiling-level access. Features include:
1×2 and 2×2 ceiling tile sizes
They are pre-packaged with all the connect hardware needed for installation
Ability to add power either in the box or facing the room
A detachable power plate allows the electrician to pre-wire the area before box installation begins
Integrated cooling vents to help with thermal management
AudioControl’s new Maestro M8 surround-sound pre-amp processor includes 4K Ultra HD processing. It’s integrated with an output port that allows for the use of an optional signal extender that uses HDBaseT technology for extending HDMI signals via standard Cat5 cable to remote mounted display devices.
AudioControl’s new Maestro M8 surround processor is aimed at the high-end market. Features include:
Ability to scale and process (or pass through) 4K and Ultra HD resolution signals
Balanced XLR audio OUTPUTS
Dual balanced XLR audio INPUTS
HDBaseT outputs via optional AudioControl signal extender component
Middle Atlantic Takes Aim at Chief and Peerless-AV with Debut of Display CartsThe new FlexView Series from Middle Atlantic is a collection of display stands and carts aimed at ProAV applications like hospitality and education.
Middle Atlantic claims that their FlexView solutions feature the lowest profile display mount in the industry as well as a smaller base for unimpeded, up close display interaction. In addition, it enables mounting of larger displays than competitively-priced solutions currently available in the market, including most 90” screens with VESA 800 mounting or smaller.
Models are available with electric or manual display height adjustment for ADA compliance and versions are also available in stationary or mobile configurations with rugged casters.
FlexView options enable integrators to do more within a slim profile with features like the Lever Lock system for small component mounting and a locking easy-access door for quick maintenance. All carts and stands are integrator and end-user friendly with storage where it’s needed and useful options and accessories to provide more flexibility in customizing the solution to the application.
Kramer Intros Six-Button Control PanelKramer’s new RC-43T is a six-button keypad control panel that works as a remote control panel for master room controllers such as the Kramer SL-1 in classrooms, meeting rooms, boardrooms or auditoriums.
The RC-43T uses proprietary KNET protocol to power and communicate over a single cable and between Kramer products. Using front panel buttons that are touch-sensitive via LED lights, the touch panel is 2.72×0.63×4.5″ (WxHxD), or 6.9×1.6×11.4 centimeters, and works in single gang U.S. wall plates.
Extron Launches Wireless HDMI Product Line with eLink 100
Extron has finally entered the wireless video transmission market with its new eLink 100 – a wireless extender that sends HDMI video and multi-channel audio signals up to 100 feet (30 meters). This is a big deal as Extron is the leader in signal routing and the bellwether when it comes to technology adoption and this entry will sort of rubber-stamp the wireless video industry in a way no other company could.
The eLink 100 is HDCP-compliant, and supports computer video with resolutions to 1920×1080, including HDTV 1080p/60. Latency of less than one millisecond ensures high quality wireless operation with real-time performance. Use of the 5 GHz spectrum allows signals to pass easily through walls and other obstacles. To ensure connection stability in environments with multipath signals, the extender uses a robust multi-input and multi-output — MIMO communication technology with AES-128 encryption and actively monitors the RF spectrum for selection of the ideal transmission channels. Since these technologies do not require line-of-sight, the eLink 100 T transmitter and eLink 100 R receiver may be concealed or mounted in separate areas to maintain the aesthetics of the space.
The eLink 100 features MIMO technology, which provides maximum throughput to enable pixel-for-pixel transmission of high resolution video with ultra-low latency. Automatic Frequency Selection — AFS, including Dynamic Frequency Selection — DFS, actively monitors the RF spectrum to identify and select an available channel, avoiding interference from other devices. For installations with multiple display devices, one transmitter can support multiple receivers, allowing an AV signal to be distributed to as many as four displays. These technologies and the compact size of the eLink 100 make it an effective means of wirelessly extending HDMI video with embedded audio in a wide variety of environments such as historic buildings, houses of worship and other locations where running cable is a challenge.
HARMAN’s JBL Intros EON 206P Portable PA SystemHARMAN’sJBL Professional is introducing the EON 206P Portable PA system and billing it as an all-in-one powered system that’s aimed at small band/solo acts, coffeehouses, clubs, schools, worship events, meetings/seminars, presentations, health clubs and more.
The JBL EON 206P features a pair of 6.5 inch passive loudspeakers, each featuring a 6.5-inch woofer and a 1-inch neodymium black nylon dome tweeter, powered by a 160-watt power amp section (80-watts per channel). The EON 206P features a maximum SPL output of 113 dB, with a nominal coverage pattern of 100×80 degrees.
The EON 206P also features an integrated 6-channel mixer with: two balanced mic/line channels with XLR/quarter-inch combo jacks (CH1 and CH2); two stereo inputs (CH3 and CH4 is RCA and quarter-inch; CH5 and CH6 is a 1/8-inch mini jack). The mixer also features Stereo Monitor Out (quarter-inch left and right out) with volume control (for an external sub or stage monitors), master volume control, reverb on Channels 1 and 2, bass/treble control, and universal power (100-240V; 50/60 Hz).
Designed for easy portability, the entire EON 206P system weighs only 25 pounds, features a durable road-tough enclosure, convenient internal cable storage, and comes in a suitcase format for easy transport and storage. It also features a 36 mm pole socket for easy mounting. Here are all the specs.
DVIGear’s new DVI-3571a is branded a presentation switcher and scaler that accepts up to eight video inputs: three HDMI (or DVI), three RGB analog (VGA), one component video and one composite video. Each input supports a broad range of signal formats and resolutions. The selected input signal is routed simultaneously to two HDMI outputs and one RGB analog (VGA) output for downstream display and/or processing. Two scaling engines provide user-selectable output resolutions up to 1080p and 1920×1200.
The DVI-3571a supports advanced audio features such as HDMI audio embedding and de-embedding, as well as lip sync correction up to 150 ms. The unit includes a variety of control features including Ethernet, RS232, IR remote and front panel selection. The unit can be easily integrated into a network using the Ethernet port and controlled via the built-in web browser GUI.
BenQ Now Shipping RP700+ Interactive Flat Panel Display
BenQ America today announced the official release of its latest interactive flat panel (IFP) display: the RP700+. Designed to increase classroom interaction, boardroom collaboration, and make wayfinding more intuitive, the 70-inch full HD display uses six-point multi-touch technology to provide responsive feedback and more accurate positioning. As a result, students, presenters and information seekers are able to experience enhanced screen sensitivity while features such as multi-source compatibility and enhanced visual comfort turn the panel into a comprehensive solution for any of today’s interactive digital signage applications.
BenQ’s new RP700+ is native 1920x1080p resolution, has a 4000:1 contrast ratio, and 350 nits of brightness, and the unit’s two 15W speakers in case the room doesn’t need amplification. Featuring six-point multi-touch technology, the RP700+ enables receptive tactile navigation, allowing users to simply touch the screen for responsive panning, zooming, and scrolling, just like a tablet. And, the panel is equipped with anti-glare glass to reduce screen reflection and eliminate any visual noise caused by glare. The display’s ambient light sensors also adjust brightness based on surrounding light levels to reduce eye strain and produce up to 50,000 hours of light life, while the unit’s anti-fingerprint finish and low blue light technology further optimize the viewing experience.
The RP700+ can be positioned in portrait or landscape mode while hotkeys embedded onto the front bezel enable quick and easy access to menus, volume, and other control features. With three convenient USB ports also on the front bezel, the RP700+ can support up to three sources simultaneously while providing overall access to HDMI, VGA, RS232 and S-Video via additional ports. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux and Chrome OS, the IFP works seamlessly with any PC or smart device via easy plug-and-play capabilities. The RP700+’s intuitive DisplayNote teaching software tool is ideal for classroom applications, enabling learners to stream content, collaborate and contribute to any presentation in real-time via multiple tablets or laptops.
InFocus Corporation released a new family of large-venue projectors dubbed the IN5310a series all aimed at large classrooms and houses of worship, at a value. The DLP-based IN5310a series, which consists of the 6000-lumen IN5312a and the 1080p IN5316HDa, provides a range of features, connectivity, lenses and has small form factor to suit most large spaces.
InFocus designed the IN5310a series to include a standard lens but offer optional, interchangeable short throw and long throw lenses. They are rated 24/7/365 operation and are filter-less. Video connectivity includes HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI-D, VGA and five BNC inputs as well as control via RS232c port and an RJ45 port to enable monitoring and control over a network.
The IN5312a and the IN5316HDa differ only in lumen count and resolution. The IN5312a delivers 6000 lumens and XGA (1024×768) resolution while the IN5316HDa provides 5000 lumens with native 1080p high-definition (1920×1080) resolution.
Specs for the IN5312a are here and the IN5316HDa specs are here.
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