Volume 8, Issue 11 — November 16, 2017
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USITT and the Greening of a Conference
By Raymond Kent Director of the Innovative Technology Design Group, DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky
Recently the registration for the upcoming United States Institute for Theater Technology (USITT) Conference opened with a great renewed focus on providing a sustainable conference. When attendees arrive in March (14th-17th) to the show floor in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., there are several key strategies that they may notice and many more behind the scenes initiatives that Ron Procopio, USITT expo director, is leading to provide a low carbon impact and green experience for conference goers and exhibitors alike.
I have written on this subject before, but it is worth covering again as we head into a new year of technology focused conferences (LDI, BICSI, USITT, InfoComm, NAMM, etc.). Conferences and trade show events are incredibly harsh on the environment, generating millions of tons of waste and burning lots of fossil fuels in transportation and power usage. Typically, this can average 4 pounds of waste and 400 pounds of CO2 emissions per day for every attendee.
Often it starts with choosing the venue as not all venues are equipped to meet the challenges of sustainability requirements or rely solely on the organization hosting the convention to manage the efforts. So for this upcoming conference, Ron is working with the show services vendor Shepard Exposition Services to achieve the goals of a sustainable conference. Knowing that the sow floor often can generate lots of waste that ends up in dumpsters at the end of the day, from packing material, to signage at the booths, food and beverage service items, bottled water and even the carpet all impact the process.
First and foremost, USITT is ensuring a robust recycling plan above and beyond the standard blue recycle bins in the hall ways and lobbies of the convention center run by the center itself. The waste generated by the show left on the show floor, plastic, pallets, carboard, etc., will be moved to a specific recycling dumpster and sorted by a designated team. Additionally, graphic panels will be used for repacking items to be shipped back to storage after the conference. These will even be direct printed to minimize labor and waste in their creation.
Carpeting in the show floor will be made from 100 percent recycled material and reused as many as six times in the aisle ways and up to eight times after that in the booths themselves of the next several shows. Then it will be returned to the manufacturers to be chipped up and turned back into new carpet.
To minimize paper waste from printing multiple signs, new digital signage will be rolled out to be able to update content on the fly at each of the session rooms. Not only will this be ecologically beneficial, but it can also improve attendee satisfaction through providing the most current information from room changes to session cancellation. Touch screen monitors will also be used in the popular poster sessions on the show floor to minimize printing and square footage of the overall exhibit allowing more interactivity and participants.
Trucking costs huge in a conference from gas consumption and emissions to double shipping items. Shepard is working with the convention center to allow direct drop ship to the conference to avoid the excess. We have seen this being executed in Broadway show transportation though Clark Transportation, who is an avid and active member of USITT and major leader is the sustainability efforts in the performing arts along with being a founding member of the Green Broadway Alliance.
Even transportation of patrons is going to be improved through the use of shuttle buses and other mass transit options to minimize single commuter attendees.
Additionally, several functions of the conference, from registration and office space, to entrance structures and publication bins will be combined to reduce overall square footage allowing for shared power and other resources. This is possible by leveraging more digital forms of communication rather than printed materials and extending the use of the show app as the main form of communication and feedback.
Other opportunities that conferences can pursue include the use of recycled products that can still be recycled after their use and providing a convenient way to do so by the attendees. Additionally, conference goes love a good party and food. Working with the food service providers to right size the menu for the number of attendees and providing locally sourced food helps to minimize waste. Food waste is a major contributor to an increased carbon footprint in conferences in addition to an overabundance of non-recyclable or reusable plates, cups and silverware. Serving water in pitchers rather than bottles is another great way to decrease waste. Develop a plan to donate the leftover food that day to local shelters.
Additionally, a conference host should encourage attendees to be green as well. Strategies include partnering with hotels that have sustainability policies as the official hotels of the event. Give discounts to attendees that can show they car pooled or took mass transit during their stay or offer some other perk such as next year’s conference at a dramatically reduced rate. Competitions for this work well too for who can be the most sustainable attendee.
Encourage vendors to reduce their power demands by using LED based booth lighting. Also encourage them to provide all their literature electronically to attendees rather than printed brochures. Use touch screen technology and digital displays to showcase product features as a group rather than individually. For instance, display several self-powered loudspeakers that are connected to an interactive display that power up the specific speaker when that is chosen on the touch panel rather than having all of them powered up all day long. Provide incentive to vendors to reduce their power demands including, like with attendees, possibly a free exhibit spot in next year’s conference for who can be the greenest.
A great way to encourage this is to show real-time results in high visibility places including the registration booth, main entrance to the show floor, or even the app to keep the idea front and center. Have a solid messaging plan and engage the groups within your organization who have already picked up the torch around sustainability. Provide and encourage sessions around sustainability. The tech industry is full of ideas and products. USITT happens to have several who are involved in this and should be engaged to promote it. AVIXA and BICSI do as well. As an organization, the benefits are immense including the opportunity to reduce the overall cost of the conference and improving the social and environmental benefits. Savings could even be passed on to attendees in the form of lower conference fees which could boost attendance and even attract new members to your organization. So kudos to USITT! I for one am excited to see the show. Leave a Comment
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JBL Pro Intros JBL PRX800 Series of Wireless PAsThe JBL PRX800 series from JBL claims to be the most advanced PA in its class. Wi-Fi technology and DSP give you control over system tuning and performance via the free PRX Connect app. An efficient 1500-watt class-D amplifier and patented JBL Differential Drive technology provide best-in-class power and reduced weight. And the rugged all-wood cabinets feature a redesigned input panel and universal power supply for operation worldwide.
JBL Pro says the PRX800 is the first PA system in its class to feature complete wireless control via Wi-Fi. The PRX Connect mobile app for iOS and Android connects wirelessly to every speaker, offering full control over the powerful built-in DSP.
Walk around the venue during sound check and fine-tune your speakers to sound better as a system. Use the 8-band EQ, speaker delay, mute, gain and more to make sure your audience hears great sound from every corner of the room. It’s easy to configure shows offline and save presets. You can even find any connected speaker instantly with the useful Locator function.
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DVIGear Launches 4K HyperLight DisplayPort CablesDVIGear has introduced its HyperLight Series – Active Optical Cables (AOC) for 4K resolution applications. These cables support the extension of DisplayPort 1.4 signals with aggregate data rates up to 32.4 Gbps. (HBR3) and are HDCP 1.4 / 2.2 compliant. They support resolutions up to 8K / 30Hz (4:4:4) for cable lengths up to 50 meters (164 feet) and 4K / 60Hz (4:4:4) for cables up to 100 meters (328 feet).
Constructed using a hybrid design of four POF (Polyfluorinated Optical Fiber) and six copper wires, plenum-rated HyperLight cables are rugged, lightweight and highly flexible, with a minimum bend radius of just two millimeters. The cables have two removable DisplayPort docking connectors may be detached, revealing a connector cross-section that measures just 10 by 12.4 millimeters. The docking connectors include a locking pin plus an optional pulling sleeve, make the cables easy to install in narrow conduits or in plenum air spaces.
The high speed DisplayPort signals are transmitted over four optical fibers, which DVIGear says make them immune to interference from environmental noise. The optical transmission path provides a very low RFI / EMI profile, which allows the cables to be installed in sensitive applications with strict security requirements. The cables draw power from the connected DisplayPort source, eliminating the need for an external power supply. These cables are available now in a wide range of cable lengths up to 100 meters (328 feet).
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Osprey Video Announces USB Video Bridge Devices for Capturing Broadcast-Quality Video to USB 3.0-Equipped Computers Osprey Video today announced the launch of the USB Video Bridge line of stand-alone video-capture devices. The line contains three models, all of which let users capture uncompressed video and embedded audio to PCs or other USB 3.0-equipped devices used for broadcast-quality streaming. Besides the units’ driver-less operation and automatic functionality, top-mounted display aids control and monitoring.
The USB Video Bridge suits a wide variety of use cases. For example, broadcasters can use Video Bridge devices in their streaming operations to connect to switching software such as vMix or Wirecast. Organizations that stream conferences can input a 1080p60 signal into a laptop for use by Skype, Zoom, or other conferencing software. In other streaming scenarios, users can send signals through the USB Video Bridge into laptop software that connects directly to services such as Facebook, YouTube and Wowza Cloud for full-featured internet broadcasting.
The cross-platform USB Video Bridge is UAC/UVC-compliant, meaning that in most Windows, Linux and Mac OS X applications, there’s no need to download a driver. UAC/UVC support is also included in some of the latest Android devices. USB Video Bridge communicates directly with users’ encoding applications to configure scaling and frame-rate conversion automatically. Users can also override the software settings and configure the unit manually using the device’s unique top-mounted LCD and control interface. The screen also displays the status of video input and output.
Osprey’s USB Video Bridge is available now starting at $339. It comes in three versions: The VB-US captures 3G-SDI; the VB-USL captures 3G-SDI and includes an SDI loopout connector; and the VB-UH captures HDMI. All models work seamlessly with Osprey’s Ceylon video-capture/live-streaming software at no cost.
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Epson Intros PowerLite 2000-Series Wireless and Portable Projectors Epson today announced the PowerLite 2247U, 2142W, and 2042 – three new wireless, portable projectors that are designed to excel in a variety of environments, including rooms with lots of ambient lighting. The PowerLite 2000-Series is aimed at higher education, corporations, and houses of worship. In addition, the new series features a compact and versatile form factor for portability or installation, and comes equipped with enterprise level security.
Epson projectors feature 3-chip LCD technology and inputs include MHL and HDMI as well as network ports. The high-end PowerLite 2247U and 2142W models offer wireless screen mirroring from a smartphone or streaming device using Miracast. The PowerLite 2142W is native WXGA (1280×800) resolution, and the PowerLite 2247U is WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution. In addition, the PowerLite 2042 with XGA (1024×768) resolution provides 4,400 lumens of color brightness and 4,400 lumens of white brightness. The PowerLite 2247U and 2142W models provide 4,200 lumens of color brightness and 4,200 lumens of white brightness. All of the projectors are spec’d to allow for 12,000 hours operation in ECO Mode.
The PowerLite 2247U will be available in November, and the PowerLite 2142W, and PowerLite 2042 models will be available in December. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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TrueConf Does 4K Ultra HD Video Conferencing NowTrueConf has announced full support for 4K point-to-point video calls in 3840×2160 resolution. Ultra HD video calls are available in TrueConf 7.2 application for Windows.
To run video calls in Ultra HD quality, both participants need to use 6th generation Intel Core i7+ processor-based PC, a 4K webcam, an Ultra HD monitor and a high-speed network connection (8 Mbps in both directions). If these system requirements are met, the client application will automatically switch to 4K resolution (3840 × 2160 at 30 fps).
For more details, go here. Leave a Comment
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Lenovo Launches ThinkSmart 500 Skype Room SystemLenovo just announced a new device aimed at the conference room. It’s called the ThinkSmart Hub 500 and it’s a Skype room systems device that manages collaboration within meeting rooms. With the ability to connect remote and local participants to Skype for Business meetings and shared content, it was developed in cooperation with Microsoft. The Smart Hub 500 is an all-in-one device, with a 360-degree rotatable 11.6-inch display and runs Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise.
Lenovo says ThinkSmart Hub 500 is simple to manage and can make any space a Skype for Business meeting place. Featuring Dolby Audio sound experience, 360-degree array microphones and a touch display to control the meeting and large external displays, the Skype Room Systems purpose built device is the ideal conference companion for huddle and medium-sized meeting rooms.
Here are the details we know so far – it won’t ship until late Q4 2017. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships 16 Output Audio Expansion Interface for DMP 128 Plus Audio DSP Processors Extron announced the availablity of its new AXI 016, a sixteen output audio expansion interface for DMP 128 Plus audio DSP systems. The AXI 016 connects to the EXP expansion port on the DMP 128 Plus, transforming the matrix from an eight-output device into a 24 output device. Since all of the high performance, low-latency DSP processing occurs within the attached DMP 128 Plus, no separate configuration is needed for the AXI 016. The AXI 016 audio expansion interface also supports audio DSP systems that integrate a DMP 128 Plus and a DTP CrossPoint matrix switcher.
The AXI 016 provides a powerful tool for AV system designers to create DMP 128 Plus systems that support larger distributed audio applications that were previously not possible using a single DMP 128 Plus DSP processor. The DMP 128 Plus models feature an extensive mix matrix allowing all outputs, including the 16 expansion bus outputs used by the AXI 016, to be discretely sourced and routed from any input. When used with a DMP 128 Plus AT model, Dante audio sources can also be processed and routed to the outputs of the AXI 016.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Yamaha UC Finally Ships YVC-1000MS Unified Communications Speakerphone Yamaha UC (formerly Revolabs) is now shipping the Yamaha YVC-1000MS, a USB speakerphone and Yamaha’s first product certified for Skype for Business. It is engineered with Yamaha’s audio technology and works in both small and large meeting rooms. Available worldwide, the microphone and speaker system passed Skype for Business Certification Version 3 tests — Microsoft’s highest standards.
The unified communications speakerphone provides a scalable solution engineered to support the audio requirements of large meeting rooms, rooms with special table configurations, and even remote education classes or seminars within the Skype for Business application. The design provides fast, simple connection to a PC via USB and/or smartphones with Bluetooth. Featuring Yamaha’s adaptive echo cancellation and other unique sound processing technologies that have been developed over the years, the system facilitates stress-free conversation.
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Audio-Technica Ships U841R Boundary Microphone Audio-Technica is now shipping its new U841R Omnidirectional Condenser Boundary Microphone. A new addition to Audio-Technica’s UniPoint line of microphones, the U841R is an update to and replacement of A-T’s U841A microphone. While retaining the feature set that has made the U841A such a successful tool, the new U841R microphone is enhanced with the addition of internal electronics that do not require an external power module. The mic features an integral TA3M output connector and includes a 25′ TA3F-to-XLRM cable.
The U841R delivers exceptionally intelligible audio reproduction in a super-compact, low-profile design. Equipped with UniGuard® RFI-shielding technology, this omnidirectional condenser boundary microphone is designed to capture audio for clear, highly intelligible sound reinforcement, professional recording, television and conferencing in surface-mount applications. The U841R has a 360° pickup angle and operates on phantom power.
U841R features include:
- UniGuard RFI-shielding technology offers outstanding rejection of radio frequency interference (RFI)
- Small-diameter capsule near boundary eliminates phase distortion and delivers clear, high-output performance
- Heavy die-cast case and silicone foam bottom pad minimize coupling of surface vibration to the microphone
- Low-profile design with low-reflectance black finish for minimum visibility
Operates on phantom power
U841R specifications include:
- Element: Fixed-charge back plate permanently polarized condenser
- Polar pattern: Omnidirectional in hemisphere above mounting surface
- Frequency response: 40-20,000 Hz
- Open circuit sensitivity: ‒35 dB (17.7 mV) re 1V at 1Pa
- Impedance: 200 ohms
- Maximum input sound level: 130 dB (1 kHz at 1%THD)
- Dynamic range: 105 dB (1 kHz at Max SPL)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 69 dB (1 kHz at 1Pa)
- Phantom power requirements: 11-52V DC, 2mA typical
- Weight: 3.0 oz (84 g)
- Dimensions: 2.56″ (65.0 mm) diameter, 0.59″ (15.0 mm) height
- Cable: 25.0′ (7.6 m) long (permanently attached to microphone), 0.13″ (3.2 mm) diameter, 2-conductor, shielded cable with TA3F-type connector
The U841R Boundary Microphone is $199. Here are the details.
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TASCAM Unveils New TM-90BM and TM-90GN Mics and Stands TASCAM has introduced three new TM-series condenser microphones and the new TM-AM-series microphone stands and booms. The new products have multiple applications but are ideal for podcasters and videographers.
Primarily intended for personal podcasting and other talk shows but also useful for recording group interviews and corporate meetings, the new TM-90BM boundary condenser microphone is perfect for picking up multiple voices. Instead of setting up separate microphones for each speaker, simply place one unidirectional (half supercardioid) TM-90BM in the center of the table, supply it with phantom power and you’re ready to go. Only 24 millimeter (0.95 inches) high, the TM-90BM’s flat, compact, sleek black design minimizes its visibility so people won’t be distracted by the presence of a microphone. Yet it can record sources as loud as 140 dB SPL without distorting. A Bass Tilt switch can attenuate bass frequencies for better speech intelligibility or boost low frequencies when recording pianos, drums or other musical sources. The TM-90BM comes with a handy carry case and 2.9 m (9.5 ft) cable with XLR connector.
TASCAM’s new TM-95GN gooseneck electret condenser microphone is another solution for podcasts and meetings. The unidirectional (cardioid) TM-95GN comes with a dedicated, extremely stable mic stand with on/off switch, making it easy to set up, position and custom-adjust for show hosts, guests and meeting participants. A windscreen is included for reducing vocal pop noise. You also get a 2.4-meter (7.9-foot) XLR microphone cable. Pair a TM-95GN for the show host with a TM-90BM for guests to get a complete, professional-quality podcasting mic system.
Videographers and filmmakers can capture focused audio from a distance using TASCAM’s new TM-150SG supercardioid shotgun microphone. With the included microphone clip with shoe mount, you can easily mount the mic to compatible DSLR cameras. It can handle up to 124 dB SPL and its included windscreen and built-in low-cut filter make it an excellent choice for outdoor applications. Use the TM-150SG’s XLR output to mate it with a TASCAM digital audio recorder (e.g., the DR-701D or DR-70D), combining the electret condenser shotgun mic and the recorder’s built-in omnidirectional condenser mics to capture voices and ambient sound. A hard carry case and 5/8-to-3/8-inch mic screw adapter are included.
The TM-AM stand series starts with the TM-AM1 microphone stand, which includes a counterweight for the stability to support the heavier professional microphones many budget mic stands can’t handle. The height of the main pole can be adjusted between 90 and 142 centimeters (35.4 to 56 inches), and an expandable second boom can be connected to the center shaft, which is especially useful when stand space is limited, such as in a small vocal booth. The second boom’s height can be adjusted between 58 – 90 centimeters (23 – 35.5 inches). A 5/8 inch-to-3/8-inch mic screw adapter enables connection of virtually any standard microphone cradle.
TASCAM’s TM-AM2 adjustable broadcast-style microphone boom stand is a desk- and table-mounted solution, clamping to tabletops up to 55 millimeters (2.2 inches) thick. Its 520 millimeters (20.5 in) scissor-type boom arm reliably keeps your microphone positioned just where you want it for hands-free recording and podcasting. When not in use, it easily swings out of the way. When dismounted, it can be folded for storage or transport. The TM-AM2 comes complete with 5/8-to-3/8-inch mic screw adapter.
When you need maximum stability, choose the new TM-AM3 tripod microphone stand. Similar to speaker and camera tripods, the TM-AM3 easily sets up among existing gear, such as cymbal stands, cables and other mic stands. The main pole’s height can be adjusted between 114 – 162 centimeters (45 – 64 inches). A counterweight balances the weight of microphones and prevents the expandable second boom from moving. As with the TM-AM1, the second boom can be connected to the center shaft, and its height can be adjusted between 58 – 90 centimeters (23 – 35.5 inches). As with the other TM-AM series stands, the TM-AM3 includes a 5/8-to-3/8-inch mic screw adapter.
The three newest TASCAM TM-series microphones and TM-AM-series stands are available immediately and here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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AC-MX44-AUHD-HDBT AVProConnect Is 18Gbp Switcher
AVProConnect’s 18Gbps AC-MX44-AUHD-HDBT is a 4×4 HDBaseT matrix switcher. Each output block switch contains both a mirrored HDMI and HDBaseT port capable of handling full 18Gbps video signals with HDR metadata. Along with high bandwidth distribution, features include IR and RS232 control, EDID management, scaling, audio matrixing, audio delay and more. This matrix supports HDMI 2.0(a/b), HDCP 2.2, up to 4K video resolution, and up to 18 Gbps bandwidth via category cable by using a proprietary HDBaseT technology called ICT (Invisible Compression Technology). This matrix equalizes and amplifies the output to ensure the HDMI signal can be transmitted through long HDMI cables without loss of quality. This matrix features:
- HDMI 2.0(a/b)
- 18Gbps uncompressed bandwidth support on HDMI
- 18 Gbps with ICT on HDBaseT outputs
- 4K60 4:4:4 support
- Full HDR Support (HDR 10 & 12 Bit)
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG Support
- HDCP 2.2 (and all earlier versions supported)
- 1080p > 4K up-scaling on HDMI outputs
- 4K > 1080p down-scaling on HDBaseT outputs
- Advanced EDID management
- IR, RS232 and LAN control options
- Digital Toslink Out (7CH PCM, DD, DD+, DTS, DTS-MA)
- Built-in Test Pattern on each output to verify infrastructure
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Google Enters the Videoconferencing Market With Hardware KitGoogle has had Hangouts — a software-based SORT-OF videoconferencing suite for years. But hardly anyone uses it. But now the company’s launched a hardware kit hardware including an ASUS Chromebox, USB camera (10.1” diagonal, IPS, 16:10, 1280×800 resolution), controller, speaker and mic set, known as the Speakermic. The Speakermic, custom designed and built by Google, claims to intelligently reduces echoes and actively manages background noise to deliver rich, immersive, 360˚ sound. The whole hardware kit is called the Hangouts Meet Kit.
Google told rAVe that the camera is 4K and designed for huddle rooms. It automatically zooms and crops based on the number of people in the room. The camera has a 120-degree field of view and both it and the Speakermic are designed for rooms of up to 250 square feet. For customers with larger conference rooms, you can daisy chain up to five Speakermics together.
It also has a touch-screen control system integrated into it. It’s purpose-built for Google Hangouts and the kit, but can also control the room and Nest gear too.
It seems as though Google is simultaneously targeting ZOOM Rooms and Skype with a hybrid-hardware approach more like those from Polycom and Cisco. The $2,000 kit is here.
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Atlona Ships HDR-Capable 4K HDMI-Over-HDBaseT Extender Atlona is shipping its AT-HDR-EX-70-2PS transmitter/receiver kit. Designed for both residential and commercial applications, it’s designed to extend 4K/UHD HDMI signals over HDBaseT with support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats.
The HDR-EX-70-2PS extends 4K HDR by combining latency-free, visually lossless (meaning it’s compressed but they say you can’t tell) compression with HDBaseT. Transporting signals up to 4K/UHD at 60 Hz with 4:4:4 chroma sampling (8-bit color) over Cat6a or Cat7 cable, the kit can extend 1080p video up to 230 feet (70 meters), while HDR-enhanced 4K content can be carried up to 130 feet (40 meters).
The new extender supports all video resolutions, audio formats – including PCM plus Dolby and DTS formats – and color spaces encompassed in the HDMI 2.0a specifications. Able to pass metadata for HDR content, the solution supports the 4K HDR10 standard at 60 Hz (4:2:0 chroma subsampling, 10-bit color) plus additional HDR variants. Additional key features include support for HDMI data rates up to 18 Gbps and HDCP 2.2 compliance for the transport of protected content.
The HDR-EX-70-2PS specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Intros New 4K/60 HDMI Switchers With Ethernet Monitoring and Control Extron just introduced two new HDMI switchers that support data rates up to 18 Gbps and signals up to 4K/60 with 4:4:4 color sampling. The two input SW2 HD 4K PLUS and the four input SW4 HD 4K PLUS are HDCP compliant, and support HDR, 12-bit Deep Color, 3D, Lip Sync, HD lossless audio formats and CEC pass-through. The switchers provide automatic input cable equalization up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) on Extron HDMI Pro Series cable. The switchers are easy to operate using the front panel controls or auto-switching. Ethernet, RS232 and contact closure ports provide ample options for integration with any control system. Both models feature EDID minder, which maintains communication with connected devices and ensures that the HDMI sources power up properly and maintain correct video output.
To simplify integration, the SW HD 4K PLUS provides integrator-focused features, including automatic input cable equalization, automatic color bit depth management, indicators for monitoring and troubleshooting, as well as peripheral device power on the output. Automatic input cable equalization corrects for signal loss due to lengthy input cables, ensuring signal integrity up to 25 feet (7.6 meters), when used with Extron HDMI Pro Series cable. The SW HD 4K PLUS automatically adjusts color bit depth based on the display EDID, preventing color compatibility conflicts between source and display. Front panel LED indicators provide immediate visual confirmation of HDCP authentication and signal presence for each input and output. If HDCP-encrypted content is transmitted to a noncompliant display, a full-screen green signal provides immediate visual confirmation that protected content cannot be viewed on that display. The SW HD 4K PLUS also provides +5 VDC, 250 mA on the HDMI output for powering peripheral devices such as an Extron HD 4K 101 Plus cable equalizer.
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Comprehensive Introduces New CHE-HDBTWP230K – HDBaseT Wall Plate Extender Kit (up to 70M) with HDMI, VGA and AudioComprehensive launched its new HDBaseT Wall Plate Extender TX/RX Kit (up to 70 meters) with HDMI, VGA and Audio (CHE-HDBTWP230K). Comprehensive’s HDBaseT Wall Plate Extender Kit is a complete solution for extending audio/video signals from a Blu-ray player and a laptop to the HDMI input of a projector.
This kit includes one wall plate and one receiver and extends HDMI, VGA and stereo audio signals up to 230 feet with a 1080p resolution over a single Cat5/Cat5e/Cat6 unshielded twisted pair network patch cable via HDBaseT technology. Connection to the wall box is easy using the 90° cable connectors. Auto switching displays the last connected device, use the front button for manual switching or serial RS232 switching option from a control device. Supports any OS and requires no driver set up. Bi-directional power allows easy connection to either the wall plate end, or receiver end. HDCP and EDID are supported via HDBaseT.
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Roland Professional A/V Introduces the XS-62S Six-Channel Video Switcher and Audio Mixer Roland Professional A/V is introducing the XS-62S, an integrated six-channel video switcher and audio mixer with PTZ camera control capabilities in a space-saving design, optimized for installed or portable live event, recording, broadcast and streaming productions. This latest addition to Roland’s comprehensive line of video production solutions delivers a powerful feature set in a compact 1RU form factor and can be operated by a single user from easy-to-use front panel controls or remotely from a Mac or PC or programmable interface.
The Roland XS-62S supports seamless six-channel switching between four SDI inputs, featuring de-lacer along with scaled HDMI and RGB inputs from computer, tablet and other video sources, plus two still images stored in internal memory. Two SDI and two HDMI outputs may be assigned to program (PGM), preview (PVW) or auxiliary (AUX) buses. The multiview output displays all six video input sources, two still images and PGM and PVW outputs with audio meters. Three video switching modes are available, enabling the XS-62S to handle a wide range of applications, including presentations, performances and special events, corporate AV conferences and distance learning.
In PGM/PST Mode, the XS-62S operates as a traditional video switcher, enabling the grouping of multiple images on a single screen, with independent assignment to the AUX bus supporting confidence, downstage monitor or additional presentation screens. Downstream keyer (DSK), which supports both luminance (black/white) and chroma (blue/green) keying, plus PinP (picture-in-picture) functionality, enables compositing of titles, graphics and inset video. PinP may be selected in circle, heart or diamond shapes in addition to the typical square or rectangle.
Dissolve Mode offers video switching and composition with cross-dissolve to the PGM bus and is suitable for a system where the user directly operates the main unit in a meeting space or event. The separate AUX bus is also available in Dissolve Mode.
In Matrix Mode, the XS-62S allows individual video input signals to be assigned to three different destinations on three buses with fade-to-black seamless switching. This mode is effective for routing signals in applications using multiple screens while simultaneously mixing program audio and controlling PTZ remote cameras.
The XS-62S features an 18-channel audio mixer with four TRS jacks and an RCA stereo pair, plus audio de-embed from the six video inputs. Roland’s innovative discreet eight-channel analog audio embedding enables the operator to select which audio source to embed separately to SDI outputs 1 and 2, for example, to fix audio issues or separate multi-language audio sources when editing after an event.
In addition to the high-quality pre-amps, powerful on-board audio processing includes a high-pass filter, gate, compressor, three-band EQ and delay, plus the ability to select audio-follows-video channels. Processing may be controlled from the front panel screen menus or using Roland’s powerful Remote Control Software (RCS). Integrated auto-mixing automatically adjusts the audio inputs based on weighting, ensuring even levels for the room mix, recording and web streaming even from hard-to-manage sources as multi-microphone discussion panels.
The XS-62S is designed for direct control and intuitive operation by a single user in any AV application, with a dedicated menu screen and audio volume knobs easily accessible on the front panel. Programmable PTZ camera control eliminates the need for individual camera operators through one-touch recall of preset camera positions and angles, combined with the audio auto-mixer, allows the operator to focus on switching video.
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WyreStorm Launches In-Wall HDBaseT Transmitter and Standalone PoH Receiver KitsWyreStorm has released two new in-wall HDBaseT “5Play” transmitter and standalone PoH receiver kits for HDMI and VGA connectivity and distribution in Huddle Rooms. Available in two models, the TX-IW-70-POH-KIT and TX-SW-IW-0201-KITs, both are two-gang in-wall Class A HDBaseT transmitters with PoH receiver kits (with MK-Euro compatible versions available Q4 2017).
The TX-IW-70-POH-KIT and TX-SW-IW-0201-KIT are both HDBaseT wall-plates for the delivery of HDMI and VGA with audio signals (up to 4K) and feature front-facing local source connection of either HDMI only (TX-IW-70-POH-KIT) or auto-switching HDMI and VGA with audio input (TX-SW-IW-0201-KIT). On the reverse located in-wall on both models you’ll find Class A HDBaseT 5Play supporting transmissions of 4K UHD with HDR and HDCP 2.2, multichannel audio, bi-directional control via IR and RS-232, PoH power and Ethernet passthrough over distances up to 70m/230ft or 1080p/60Hz/48bit up to 100m/328ft.
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Barco Picks Global Cache as Hardware Partner for IP-Based Overture Control SystemOne could argue that Global Caché might have just won the AV-lottery with a new partnership with Barco to supply Overture control software and Global Caché hardware to integrators. The new partnership provides what global cache calls seamless compatibility of Global Caché hardware from within Barco’s IP based Overture control software. Thus, Overture, is shipping now with Global Caché support and connectivity built-in.
Global Caché’s products connect any IR, serial and contact closure device to a Wi-Fi and/or IP network so it can be controlled, automated, and maintained by network-based software. As you likely know, Global Cache has connectivity products and capabilities to make it so you can have the cloud-based Overture system control non-IP-enabled AV gear.
Global Cache is here and Barco’s Overture is here. Leave a Comment
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Luxul Releases New Epic 3 Wi-Fi Router With Built-In Remote Management Software Luxul today introduced a new AC3100 dual-band gigabit router with a host of built-in features. The new Epic 3 integrates Luxul’s wireless controller with Roam Assist, remote network monitoring and management from Domotz and cloud-based content management and parental controls from Router Limits.
With the Epic 3, installers can now create a roaming Wi-Fi experience for their clients and service their networks remotely. With Domotz remote network monitoring built in and installers receive alerts when issues arise on their clients’ networks, allowing them to fix problems before customers even realize they exist. Luxul claims that having the Epic 3 on a client’s network also means quicker setup times and easier network maintenance for installers.
The Epic 3 router is compatible with Luxul’s access points (APs), allowing installers to add APs to maximize the performance and budget of each project. Capable of managing additional access points, the Epic 3 offers a cost-effective multi-access-point roaming solution for residential and small commercial networks.
Luxul’s Epic 3 with built-in Roam Assist, Domotz remote management software and Router Limits content management boosts Wi-Fi reliability while allowing users to remotely maintain the network to which it’s connected, and fully control their internet experience.
- Roam Assist provides seamless Wi-Fi connection throughout the home, eliminating problems such as low, dropped or lost signals.
- Domotz remote management software gives installers the power to manage, maintain and troubleshoot their clients’ networks from anywhere in the world.
- Router Limits content management means end-users are in control of their internet experience by managing internet traffic; choosing which devices can access the web; what parts of the web are OK (or not OK) and the days and times the internet should be available.
The Luxul Epic 3 Dual-Band Wireless AC3100 Gigabit Router will be available in late November 2017 with KRACK vulnerability protection. All the details are here. Leave a Comment
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Key Digital Ships Audio Matrix with DSPThe new Key Digital KD-MAX8x8 eight input to eight output audio matrix switcher with built-in audio DSP. The KD-MAX8x8 has analog and digital connections for input and output and enables analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog conversion of signals, or can operate as two independent audio matrixes (one digital and one analog). Analog audio inputs are connected on balanced/unbalanced six pin phoenix terminal blocks and digital audio sources are input on a PCM coaxial RCA connection that supports surround formats up to Dolby and DTS 5.1.
Each output of KD-MAX8x8 handles all pre-amp functionality, enabling integrators to connect directly into amplifiers. Any of the connected audio sources may be selected on any output and apply variable signal processing levels for volume, bass, mid, treble, balance and lip sync.
Here are more specs. Leave a Comment
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