Volume 8, Issue 2 — February 25, 2014
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Famous Last Words
By Joel Rollins rAVe Columnist
Each year at this time, I am alerted to the coming of spring by that special fragrance that’s in the air, by those sounds that indicate the coming of a new season.
In our business, that fragrance is the smell of shrink wrap and packing peanuts, and it harkens the coming of new technologies that will change the way we do business.The sounds are the voices of the currently dominant players who are loudly and proudly denying that such changes are possible.
I can always tell which new technologies will be successful by listening to the naysayers, denying the usefulness or necessity of the new tech. And there’s no better way to determine which “big boys” are about to get their comeuppance.
There are a number of ways that the big players use to deny that they can be upstaged or displaced. Let’s take a brief and nostalgic look at a few of them:
Denying Product Necessity
Market leaders tend to rely on this one when faced with a new product, service or technology that they don’t have in their arsenal. It’s an excuse for complacency (or a way to hide the panic they are feeling internally). The best example I can think of currently is RIM, which brought us the Blackberry (or “Crackberry”). When faced with the onslaught of the iPhone, the company’s co-CEO actually said: “There may be 300,000 apps for the iPhone and iPad, but the only app you really need is the browser.” — Jim Balsillie, November 2010
There is no better industry for this kind of dismissal by the big players. Take a look at some of the other gems from the past that remind us to take these statements with a grain of salt – or to look at investing in their competition:
- “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” — Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943
- “There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.” — Ken Olson, president, chairman & founder of Digital Equipment Co, 1977
- “640K ought to be enough for anybody.” — Bill Gates, 1981
- “Apple is already dead.” — Nathan Myhrvold, former Microsoft CTO, 1997
Dismissing the Issues
Another great sign of a big player that’s begging to be taken down a peg is for them to deny issues surrounding their own product, even among the truly great players. Here’s an instructive example from the 800-pound gorilla of software:
- “Two years from now, spam will be solved.” –Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, 2004
And one from a huge company they helped to displace:
- “Almost all of the many predictions now being made about 1996 hinge on the Internet’s continuing exponential growth. But I predict the Internet will soon go spectacularly supernova and in 1996 catastrophically collapse.” — Robert Metcalfe, founder of 3Com, 1995
Can’t Be Done
Another way the big guns, and the market in general, blind themselves to possibilities is the “It isn’t technically feasible” or “the market won’t buy it” approach. It’s been used in our market to deny everything from the coming of digital video to the possibility of today’s high definition streaming, but the best examples I can think of are these:
- “In today’s regulatory environment, it’s virtually impossible to violate rules… it’s impossible for a violation to go undetected, and certainly not for a considerable period of time.” –Investment guru and current federal prisoner Bernard Madoff, Oct. 27, 2007
- “The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better than a “C,” the idea must be feasible.” — A Yale University management professor in response to a paper from his student, Fred Smith, which proposed reliable overnight delivery service. Smith went on to found Federal Express Corp.
So, when looking for new technologies to watch, watch for the denials by their competitors. When the leaders spend time and effort to deny the possibility of new competition, or new technologies, they point the way for the market.
Is this a conscious decision on their part? A delaying action? Possibly, but in my opinion, there’s another reason, and I leave you with one final quote:
“You have attributed conditions to villainy that simply result from stupidity.” ― Robert A. Heinlein, The Green Hills of Earth Leave a Comment
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Lang Evaluates Laser/Phosphor and Laser Projectors
By Matt Brennesholtz DisplayDaily
At ISE 2014 last week in Amsterdam, Lang AG (Lindlar, Germany) had both a booth and a private viewing room. The viewing room focused on laser/phosphor and pure laser projectors and I got a tour of it hosted by Markus Ries, director of Lang Academy, and Peter Mathia, product manager for projectors.
Lang AG is a sales and rental company for professional AV equipment. According to Ries, the company is not a rental and staging company that serves end users directly. Lang acts as a “dry-hire” cross-rental company, serving the market with large quantities of projection, display, LED and image processing equipment. Its customers are not end users, but the rental and staging companies.
Lang Academy is the branch of Lang that does training for ProAV people. This training is more than simple hands-on training for Pro AV installers and operators. For example, last fall it hosted the 4K Forum and in May it’s hosting a free all-day seminar, “Women @ Interactive – Seminar For Women In Media Technology.”
As part of his duties as product manager of Lang AG, Peter Mathia evaluates projectors that Lang is considering purchasing to add to its rental inventory. As part of this projector evaluation program, there were three demos of laser/phosphor and laser projectors in the Lang viewing room at ISE. Mathia also provides feedback, based on measurements he makes, to the projector manufacturers on the suitability of projector prototypes to the Pro AV industry and suggests modifications to designs that would simplify their use in the field. It is then up to the projector makers to decide if these suggestions can be implemented and then do the necessary design work.
The first projector I saw was the NEC pure laser projector. The projector is a 4K, three-panel DLP projector and the lasers are external and connected to the projector by fiber optic cables. Each external laser module provides enough light to produce 5,000 lumens at the screen and the projector I saw was using two modules for 10K lumens. Each laser source was connected to the projector via two fiber optic cables, as can be seen in the photo. The image produced on the screen was excellent, with good colors. Slight speckle was visible in the image when viewed close up, but at normal viewing distances this speckle was invisible.
Left is the NEC laser projector, with the four fiber optic connections visible. Right is the image produced.
There has been debate about whether laser projectors should have the lasers embedded in the projector itself or if they should be external, perhaps in a central laser room, and connected to the projector via optical fiber. Mathia pointed out to me that these fibers capable of carrying high-powered laser beams cost about $1,000/meter ($305/foot) and this could impose an impossible cost burden on lasers any significant distance from the projector, especially if four fibers were needed to connect the lasers to the projector.
The second demonstration was a side-by-side comparison of the DPI HIGHlite 12K laser projector and a lamp-based projector from Panasonic, using dual 355W UHM lamps. The two projectors had WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution, although the DPI projector used 0.67” DLP imagers and the Panasonic used 0.9” imagers. The two projectors were set up for the same luminance at the screen.
Mathia said he did this side-by-side comparison to show laser/phosphor projector colorimetry now equaled the colorimetry of lamp-based projectors, with both projectors matching Rec. 709 very closely.
While this photograph shows the two projected images as virtually identical, with different content the images often looked different from each other. In general, when the images looked different, the DPI projector produced the subjectively better image. Mathia pointed out that while the Panasonic projector used larger DLP imagers than the DPI projector, it was actually smaller, quieter, lighter and lower power than the DPI unit. He had measured the power for each projector and they were 960W and 1300W for the Panasonic and DPI projectors respectively. These values are significantly different than the specified values in the company literature.
The third demo was a side-by-side comparison of two Panasonic projectors that were virtually identical except one had dual mercury lamps and the other had laser/phosphor illumination. For these two projectors, the colorimetry did not match, with the lamp based unit a close match for Rec. 709 and the laser/phosphor having the “wrong” colors. Subjectively, however, the larger color gamut of the laser/phosphor projector produced a more pleasing image for the video content shown than the lamp projector with Rec. 709 colorimetry.
The important take-away from the Lang viewing room was that while laser/phosphor projectors can equal (or exceed) the performance of lamp-based projectors, there are associated issues yet to be solved by the projector manufacturers. These can include size, weight, cost, noise, etc. On the other hand, mercury lamps are a well developed, mature technology while high-output laser and laser/phosphor projectors are just entering the market and presumably will improve significantly as they mature. Leave a Comment
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InfoComm Opens Registration for June Show in Las VegasMore than 10,000 of the hottest technology products from more than 950 companies will be featured at InfoComm 2014 in Las Vegas, Nev., June 18-20, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendee registration is now available at infocommshow.org.
Not sure if you should go? Well, watch our InfoComm 2013 wrap-up video here and you’ll want to go!
InfoComm 2014 has more than 500,000 net square feet of show floor exhibits and special events space. More than 36,000 professionals are expected to attend the show, with a more than a third of attendees coming from technology managers, specifiers and end-user communities. InfoComm offers technology solutions to a broad spectrum of market sectors, including business, government, military, education, worship, healthcare, hospitality, retail and entertainment.
Showcasing the latest AV technology, InfoComm 2014 provides the multi-billion dollar industry and its customers with a thriving show floor, along with unsurpassed education and training. Attendees will hear from all the leading audio brands in demo rooms and on the show floor, get connected with collaborative conferencing in the Unified Communications and Collaboration Pavilion, see the latest in signs at the Digital Signage Pavilion and experience the latest in illumination and production in the Lighting and Staging Pavilion. The Technologies for Worship Pavilion will feature the latest AV technology applied for House of Worship staff and volunteers, while the new Security Pavilion will feature the latest technology solutions.
InfoComm offers attendees hands-on access to the latest AV and digital signage technology and networking with industry peers, as well as the opportunity to attend a wide range of educational sessions offered by InfoComm University and other groups. Beyond the show floor, AV Technology Tours will allow attendees to see installed AV projects in action and networking activities will bring everyone together, allowing for the development of meaningful conversations and relationships.
This year InfoComm will feature a Solutions Summit that begins pre-show and offers related sessions available throughout the week. There will be Digital Signage and UCC tracks, with the flexibility to move amongst sessions. In addition, InfoComm International, the trade association representing the commercial audiovisual industry will be marking its 75th anniversary this year with an awards dinner.
The U.S. Department of Commerce is supporting InfoComm 2014 by promoting the show to overseas attendees because of its export potential, international interest, U.S. exhibitor offerings, stature and overseas marketing efforts. More than 5,000 attendees from over 110 countries outside of North America are expected to visit the event.
If you’re interested in seeing our 2013 InfoComm MicroSite, where we posted over 1,000 new product videos, 200 blogs and news stories, podcasts and photos, go here. We’ll be doing the same coverage again this year.
Register here. Leave a Comment
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Meyer Sound Debuts LYON Linear Sound Reinforcement System and Callisto 616 Meyer Sound’s new self-powered LYON linear sound reinforcement system is the newest addition to the LEO Family of linear loudspeaker systems that are self-powered. LYON will make its debut at the ISE trade show in Amsterdam.
LYON linear line array loudspeakers are available in two versions: the LYON-M main line array loudspeaker and the LYON-W wide-coverage line array loudspeaker. Compatible with the 1100-LFC low-frequency control element and the Galileo Callisto loudspeaker management system, the LYON-M can anchor a powerful system for installations in arenas and large auditoriums, as well as tours and festivals. The LYON-W can serve as down fills to augment a LYON-based system. Both LYON versions can be used to provide supplemental coverage in a LEO system.
At ISE, Meyer Sound will also show the recently announced Galileo Callisto 616 AES primary array processor — hardware and software solution for driving and aligning Meyer Sound loudspeaker array systems. Designed as a mastering tool for delivering digital audio, the Callisto processor combines alignment tools like U-Shaping equalization and delay integration with a suite of AES3 analog and digital inputs and outputs.
LYON is here.
Galileo Callisto 616 is here. Leave a Comment
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Schoeps Intros Best Looking Mic We’ve Ever Seen With V4 DesignThe Schoeps V4 U, a studio vocal microphone, is modeled after the classic appearance of the SCHOEPS CM 51/3 microphone from 1951. Schoeps says the fundamental idea was clear that only a small-diaphragm capsule could meet the requirements for the technical response curves and transparency of sound that they wanted for this vocal mic. But the diffuse-field characteristics seemed to call for a large-diaphragm capsule, in which the pressure build-up due to the large membrane surface would cause the inevitable and desired narrowing of pickup pattern at high frequencies to begin sooner.
In the end, both of these conflicting requirements were able to be achieved through the use of a beveled ring around the membrane, thus increasing its diameter (as far as certain acoustic phenomena are concerned) to about 33 millimeters. Schoeps says this 33-millimeter beveled collar causes the capsule’s directivity to increase steadily and smoothly at high frequencies, as in a large-diaphragm microphone. Meanwhile, the superior acoustic qualities of a small-diaphragm capsule are maintained. The capsule is elastically suspended internally to reduce handling noise and other solid-borne sound. The head can be angled +/- 20°.
Specs include:
- Maximum sound pressure level of 145 dB SPL
- Maximum output level = 5 V
- Output stage: Transformer-less and without capacitors
- Symmetrical, balanced output
- Low, frequency independent output impedance
- Requires +48V phantom power via XLR-3
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Cosmic Truss Launches Complete Range of Wind-Up StandsCosmic Truss has launched a new full line of windup stands, adding to its existing range of truss and support structures. The range starts with the compact and lightweight CT-1 unit, which features a lift height of 12.5 feet and a load capacity of 275 lbs. Each stand in the range offers a unique combination of height and weight ratings with a number of common safety features included with every stand. The CT-2 and CT-3 stands both have a reach of 17.5 feet, with load capacities of 275 lbs. on the CT-2 and a whopping 551 lbs. on the CT-3. The CT-2 offers its reach and load, for a stand weight of just 90 lbs. making it also extremely portable.
Additional features on the CT-3 and the CT-4 include the ability to determine the order in which the tower sections rise. The CT-4 is perfect for heavy loads that need high reaches, with a maximum height of more than 21 feet and a load capacity of 485 lbs. The new line also includes the CT-5, a front loading stand for underhung items such as speaker arrays and has a reach of more than 21 feet and a load capacity of 529 lbs.
The company website is here. Leave a Comment
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Christie QuickConnect Allows iOS Control of Christie ProjectorsThe Christie QuickConnect App enables end users and installers to project photos, documents and websites to a compatible Christie projector over Wi-Fi from their iOS devices. It also allows users to control their projector using an iOS device. This app is specifically designed to control Christie LW401, LWU421, LX501, LW551i, LWU501i, LX601i, DXG1051-Q, DWX951-Q and DWU951-Q projectors.
The app is supported on all iOS version 5.1+ enabled mobile devices. The Christie QuickConnect app and the projector must be on the same local Wi-Fi network. Features of the QuickConnect App include:
- Projector discovery
- Content delivery lets users display content from their iOS devices to the projector, including documents, images and webpages
- Projector control: standby/on, audio mute, blank and freeze, input source selection
- Inputs include two computer ports, two USB ports, HDMI, video, S-video and LAN
- Display modes — full image mode or multi-iPads mode (up to four iPads at the same time).
- Presenter mode enables the user to invite others to present or prevent another iOS device from connecting to the projector.
Here are all the details and how to get it. Leave a Comment
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Draper Intros TecVision, New Engineered Screen TechnologyAt ISE 2014 in Amsterdam this week, screen manufacturer Draper debuted a new engineered screen technology called TecVision, which took them two and a half years, and more than $1,000,000 to develop. While available in five default configurations, this new material can also be custom specified, if a designer needs something specific for an application, such as contrast ratio or ambient light reflective value. The screens can also be manufactured up to 15′ in height.
TecVision features white surfaces with gains ranging from 1.3 to 1.9 — all of which have virtually no half gain angle, according to Draper, aside from the 1.3 gain material, for which it is greater than 75 degrees. All the screen materials are “4K ready.”
Draper says TecVision stands out for its quality, consistency and uniformity. Default configurations include:
- TecVision XT1300X White: A white surface featuring 1.3 gain and a half gain angle greater than 75 degrees. Best where ambient light will hit the screen surface and projector is brightness is not quite enough.
- TecVision XT1600X White: A white surface featuring 1.6 gain. Best where little ambient light will hit the screen surface and projector brightness is too low.
- TecVision XT1800X White: A white surface featuring 1.8 gain. Best where little ambient light will hit the screen surface and projector brightness is very low, active 3D is used or color combining passive 3D is used.
- TecVision XH900X Grey: A grey surface featuring 0.9 gain and a half gain angle greater than 60 degrees. Features an ambient light reflectance value of 48% or less. Best where moderate ambient light will hit the screen surface.
- TecVision XT1000X White: A dark grey surface featuring a gain of 1.0 and a half gain angle greater than 35 degrees. Features an ambient light reflectance value of 27 percent or less. Best where too much off-axis ambient light will hit the screen surface.
See a video interview with rAVe reporter Joel Rollins to learn more:
“There are few companies in the world who are experts in designing projection screen surfaces,” said to Draper company president John Pidgeon. “Most screen fabrics are made by firms whose primary business is manufacturing textiles for other purposes. We’ve made a major investment in equipment, expert personnel and research time specifically to offer this line of revolutionary new surfaces unmatched by any other screen manufacturer in the world.”
TecVision also offers a departure from typical screen production, according to Bob Mathes, AV market manager for Draper. “Utilizing technologically advanced manufacturing methods, proprietary scientific formulations and establishing the highest quality standard, we are prepared to meet the rigorous demands of today’s projectors and the environments in which screens are and will be used,” Mathes says. “Rather than using “mass-production” methods in order to minimize costs, TecVision screens are individually produced; each and every screen surface is individually formulated, programmed, and manufactured with multiple checks for quality, consistency and uniformity from start to finish.”
More information about TecVision can be found on the Draper website. Leave a Comment
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Extron Announces 4K and Ultra HD SupportExtron has announced 4K (3840×2160 and 4096×2160) and Ultra HD (3840×2160) support in its signal processing and distribution products. Solutions include:
- Extending 4K and UHD video over a single twisted pair cable
- Videowall processors to leverage the high pixel density of the newest generation of displays
- Streaming encoders and decoders to extend 4K video over traditional network infrastructure
- Media players for playback of 4K content
- Fiber optic distribution systems when pixel-for-pixel signal extension and switching are required in mission critical environments
Extron has a 4K/UHD logo that will appear on select 4K and UHD capable products on both the company’s website and compatible products themselves. The company also says it will help integrators with systems design of both 4K or UHD AV systems.
For more information about Extron 4K Systems, click here. Leave a Comment
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HARMAN’s AKG Launches WMS420 Wireless Microphone System HARMAN’s AKG today launched the WMS420 wireless system, a single-channel wireless system designed for smaller venues such as schools, town halls and houses of worship. There are four targeted product packages: Vocal Set with AKG D5 handheld microphone, Head-worn Set with AKG C555L, Lavalier Set with AKG C417 and Instrument Set with AKG MKG L cable. Also, the WMS420 is rack-mountable in addition to having detachable extended antennas that attach to the back of the receiver.
The WMS420 system includes the SR420 UHF stationary receiver with two external and detachable antennas on the rear side, as well as BNC connectors at standard 50 ohms. The HT420 handheld transmitter’s and PT420 pocket transmitter’s charging contacts, like the AKG WMS470, are compatible with the AKG CU400 charging station.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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MIDAS Unveils M32 Digital Mixing Console Midas released its M32 Digital Mixing Console this week. This console is a 40-input digital mixer that’s 96 kHz ready, featuring 192 kHz AD/DA converters as well as Ultranet for “Acoustic Integration” with the new Turbosound iQ Series active loudspeakers or IEM systems.
Using a design the company says is from a Bentley Motors Industrial designer (not sure they got their money’s worth on that expenditure), the console uses materials such as carbon fibre and aluminum so it’s very light.
Additional features include:
- Eight-slot stereo effects engine
- On-board 32×32 USB interface
- Real-time tracking
- Optional expansion cards such as ADAT, MADI and Dante
- 100-Band RTA for all channel/bus EQs
- Gain splitting and remote control for FOH and monitoring
- 32 MIDAS microphone pre-amplifiers
- 25 mix buses
Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Rental and Staging Network Elects New President and BoardThe Rental and Staging Network (RSN), a North American network of rental and staging companies, has announced that Bob Daniels of BlueWater Technologies in Southfield, Mich., has been elected president of RSN for 2014.
Daniels says a vital goal for the coming year is to reach out to greater numbers of key leaders and decision makers who are event producers and meeting planners, and continue to educate and inform them about the added value, benefits and unique offerings that independent AV companies can bring to their events. “We want to provide training initiatives for techs, project managers and sales professionals, as well as expand network benefits into each of the companies, involving a broader base of staff members,” Daniels says.
Members also voted to approve the appointment of a six-member board to oversee RSN. Re-elected to the board are:
Newly elected to serve on the Board are:
To view a map of RSN affiliates, click here. Leave a Comment
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DPA Microphones Gives d:facto Vocal Mic a Facelift DPA Microphones just showed new grids with gold and nickel finish for the d:facto Vocal Microphone at the 2014 NAMM Show. The new grids are available as accessories to existing systems and can be purchased as metal grids only or as total solutions with foam and pop screen. Additionally, the nickel option matches the finish available on the Sennheiser 2000, 5200 and 9000 wireless mic systems and comes complete with corresponding adapters.
As you likely know, the d:facto line is a vocal mic used with the wired DPA handle and provides singers and engineers with the added benefit of an adapter system, which allow for integration with many professional wireless systems. DPA believes these latest color options are sure to make the d:facto even more popular among live sound engineers.
The new gold and nickel grids will be available starting February 2014 and the entire line is here. Leave a Comment
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Behringer Intros X18 Portable, iPad-Integrated Digital Mixer Behringer’s new X18 Digital Mixer is is a 18-input/12-bus portable mixer designed specifically for use with the iPad for both live and studio applications. Since its integrated with a “virtual FX rack,” loaded with true physical models of famous processors, such as the Lexicon 480L, PCM70 and Pultec EQs, plus Teletronix and Fairchild compressors, it eliminates the need for any outboard gear.
Access is provided to four on-board true-stereo (eight mono) multi-effects processors, such as delay, chorus, dynamics and more. The X18 can also run production-quality, true-stereo reverbs concurrently with 31-band GEQ. Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, an 18×18 channel bi-directional USB interface also makes the X18 a powerful digital mixing solution for recording directly to an iPad or PC.
Ultranet connectivity allows the user to send any of the 18 input sources over Cat 5e cable to compatible gear, such as P16-M personal monitors.
The X18 is available at a suggested U.S. MAP of $799.99. Specs are here. Leave a Comment
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HARMAN’s JBL Unveils VTX F Series for VTX Line ArraysThe VTX F Series from HARMAN’s JBL group is a line of two-way multi-purpose loudspeakers for JBL’s VTX Series line arrays. The F Series includes three models: the F12 and F15 full-range loudspeakers and the F18S subwoofer.
The VTX F12 and F15 loudspeakers feature the large-format JBL D2 dual diaphragm dual driver employed in the VTX V25 full size line array loudspeaker and the M2 Master Reference Monitor. All F Series models also feature JBL’s lightweight, high-power Differential Drive transducer technology.
The VTX F12 is a bi-amplified two-way enclosure that features a Progressive Transition Waveguide (90×50 degrees) and the 2262H 12-inch diameter (3-inch) dual voice coil, neodymium Differential Drive, Direct Cooled transducer. It boasts power handling (AES 2-hour) of 1,000 watts continuous, 4000 watts peak (low frequency) and 200 watts continuous, 800 watts peak (high frequency).
The F15 is a bi-amplified two-way enclosure that features a Progressive Transition Waveguide (90×50 degrees) and the 2265H 15-inch diameter (3-inch) dual voice coil, neodymium Differential Drive, Direct Cooled transducer. It offers power handling (AES 2-hour) of 1,000 watts continuous, 4000 watts peak (low frequency) and 200 watts continuous, 800 watts peak (high frequency).
The F12 and F15 are optimized for use with Crown I-Tech HD Amplifiers and Crown VRack amplifier management systems, while both models also include BSS Audio OmniDriveHD V5 processing and JBL HiQnet Performance Manager control.
The F12 and F15 also offer attractive installation features including: a pole-mount socket, four NL4 connectors for discrete cabling, 14 M10 mount points and an optional universal bracket.
The VTX F18S is a powerful subwoofer in a compact form factor, designed for drum/DJ monitoring and small/medium format front-of-house applications. It features the 2269H Differential Driver 18-inch transducer, with high power handling (AES 2-hour) of 2,000 watts continuous, 8000 watts peak and massive linear excursion capability (3.5 inches peak to peak). The F18S is reverse-cardioid arrayable and features a reinforced M20 extension rod receptacle, 16 M10 mount points, four convenience handle locations and stacking feet and recesses.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Takes On Crestron DMPS and Enova with New DTP CrossPoint 84 Extron hasn’t had a complete answer to either Crestron’s DMPS-300 Series or AMX’s Enova line — until today! Extron hasn’t officially announced it, but I found the DTP CrossPoint 84 Series on the company’s website and immediately called Casey Hall, Extron’s vice president of sales and marketing. Although the official announcement isn’t until Thursday, it’s real.
When I asked Casey to comment on this switcher being positioned against the Crestron and AMX models, he wouldn’t mention them by name, but did say this: “It’s an 8×4 matrix with built-in scaling that blows away anything currently on the market.” Well, let’s look at it:
The DTP CrossPoint 84 is housed only in a 2U rack-mount enclosure but, like the DMPS and Enova, is billed as a complete AV system in one box: an 8×4 matrix switcher (two DTP inputs and six HDMI inputs, plus two HDMI outputs and two independently scaled DTP outputs) that has 4K inputs and outputs, two built-in independent scalers, integrated DTP and XTP transmitters and receivers, a mono or stereo 100-watt amp with an integrated audio DSP. And, it’s HDBaseT-capable (even though Extron doesn’t specifically say HDBaseT, I confirmed it was) so signals can output up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a single CATx cable.
With this, I think the company’s one-upped Crestron and AMX. Here’s why: First, as the DTP CrossPoint 84 has integrated DTP and XTP transmitters AND receivers. The second advantage is obvious — it’s 4K capable. The third may not seem like a big deal, but integrators will agree that it being only 2U high, is an advantage.
From what I have seen, the DTP CrossPoint 84 is the AV industry’s first digital media switcher that includes a 4K matrix. The DTP twisted pair inputs and outputs are compatible with any of Extron’s digital twisted pair transmitters and receivers and, of course, can also be used to connect to any display with an HDBaseT input (e.g., Christie, Panasonic, Epson, Barco, etc) or tie into a centralized, facility-wide XTP System to add local room-based AV systems.
Extron told me that that each scaler is paired to one of the two DTP outputs and because everything can be scaled, you get virtually instantaneous switching. Also, they’re configured with Extron EDID Minder, Key Minder and SpeedSwitch.
Extron labels its DSP as “professional-grade.” Apparently, it has the exact same 64-bit ProDSP as the DMP 128 digital matrix processors and that means that integrators can customize system designs and mixes including a configurable EQ, filters, dynamics and matrix mixing options. Casey told me that if a large number of microphones or speaker destinations are needed, the DTP CrossPoint 84 has a unique digital audio expansion port links the internal DSP to a DMP 128 for additional inputs and outputs, or to add AEC to a conferencing system. Or, the DTP CrossPoint 84 can be linked into a DMP 128 on a Dante network. In addition, there’s a built-in mono or stereo 100-watt amplifier that’s the exact same one as their ENERGY STAR qualified XTRA Series.
Extron says it will be available in May. Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Adamson Presents Point Concentric Series At ISE 2014Adamson Systems is here at ISE with its Point Concentric Series range of passive, coaxial loudspeakers designed for both installation and rental markets. The two-way cabinets are designed to produce linear, high-resolution audio throughout the intended bandwidth. The series includes a double 5″ (PC 5), single 6″ (PC 6), single 8″ (PC 8), single 10″ (PC 10) and a single 12″ (PC 12) version.
The PC 5 and PC 6 are the most compact loudspeakers in the series. The PC 5 and the PC 6 are approximately 12″x7″x7″ and 11″x8″x8″ (H x W x D), respectively. Both enclosures provide a 70-degree conical pattern and ship with standard M10 fly points in four locations and additional rear omnimount points. Threaded pole-mount hardware can be installed, at no charge, on either cabinet by request.
When more power is required, users can step up to the larger Point Concentric options — PC 8, PC 10 and PC 12.
The PC 8 is in the middle of the Point Concentric line. It is a compact, passive two-way coaxial loudspeaker housing a single 8″ coaxial driver in a 12″x11″x10″ enclosure. It features the widest coverage pattern of the range with 80° conical dispersion. The extremely versatile loudspeaker is ideal for most rental and installation applications.
The PC 10 houses a single 10″ coaxial driver and features a 70° conical pattern. With nominal 60°x40° dispersion, the PC 12 is the only loudspeaker in the range that features a non-conical coverage pattern.
The three larger models also incorporate standard pole mount hardware. A unique rotatable jack plate allows for Neutrik NL4 connections on the bottom or back of each enclosure. Simply unfasten a few screws and rotate the jack plate to change the termination position. Optional vertical yokes are also available for added versatility.
Cabinets are coated with water borne acrylic paint, while all metalwork is finished with a Sandtex powder coating. And, all cabinets can be color-matched to the RAL library. More details are here. Leave a Comment
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Turbosound Intros TLX Compact Line Arrays Turbosound has launched its brand-new TLX Series compact and sub-compact line arrays, which are designed for small and medium scale sound reinforcement use in houses of worship, live music venues, retail and themed environments, theaters and corporate applications. These line arrays feature weather resistant low-frequency drivers and titanium-dome, high-frequency compression drivers.
Two bi-amped line array modules are available: the 8″-based TLX84 and the 4″-based TLX43; both are fitted with neodymium drive units for low weight, and the intuitive integrated fly ware ensures ease of rigging with a 12 to 1 safety factor. Their wide horizontal dispersion make TLX Series line arrays ideally suited to the majority of indoor and outdoor front of house, side fill and delay applications.
The complementary TLX215S dual 15″ and TLX212S dual 12″ subwoofers come in a reflex-loaded format and are fly-ready with integrated hardware. Optionally, they can be ground stacked for low-frequency support with mounting adapters for the TLX43 or TLX84 full-range tops.
The TLX43, TLX84, TLX215S, and TLX212S list for $599.99, $1,149.99, $1,149.99, $1,499.99 USD, respectively. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces New Compact Two Channel Amplifier with More Power Extron has launched the new XPA 1002 Plus, a half rack 1U, convection cooled power amplifier delivering two channels of 100 watts into 4 or 8 ohms. This professional grade amplifier offers more power than the original XPA 1002, but features the same 105 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.05 percent THD+N specifications. The XPA 1002 Plus is an ENERGY STAR qualified amplifier with an Extron exclusive highly efficient, advanced Class D amplifier design. It also features patented CDRS – Class D Ripple Suppression technology that provides a smooth, clean audio waveform and an improvement in signal fidelity over conventional Class D amplifiers. The XPA 1002 Plus is housed in a half rack width metal enclosure, conserving rack space and weighing only 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg).
The XPA 1002 Plus amplifier is an energy efficient product that conserves energy, conserving costs. It includes an auto power-down feature that automatically places the amplifier into standby after a period of inactivity, and consumes just 10 watts when idle and less than 1 watt in standby mode. It also has an ultra low inrush current draw to prevent power circuit overload that occurs when multiple amplifiers are switched on simultaneously. This feature eliminates the need for power sequencing in systems with multiple amplifiers in large centralized equipment racks, and prevents other equipment from experiencing power interruption from associated power surges. The XPA 1002 Plus is housed in a compact 1U, half rack width enclosure and is UL 2043 plenum rated, which allows for a concealed installation above a drop ceiling to prevent theft while providing convenient placement of AV equipment.
Here are all the product details. Leave a Comment
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Behringer Unleashes Two New Active Loudspeakers Behringer has announced two new Eurolive active loudspeakers, the B110D and B108D, which are aimed at live sound, portable PA, monitor wedge and house of worship applications. Claiming 300 watts of two-way Class-D output power, the B110D (10″) and B108D (8″) speaker systems have balanced XLR Mic/TRS line input, dedicated volume control and Clip LED. Tone shaping is handled via an optimized two-band EQ, and an integrated sound processor provides the ultimate in system control, as well as loudspeaker protection.
Powerful long-excursion low-frequency drivers are used along with a 1.35” aluminum-diaphragm compression-driver mounted on an ultra-wide dispersion, large-format exponential horn.
The B110D and B108D list for $199.99 and $179.99, respectively and here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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AMX Debuts Two New H.264 Video Encoders AMX’s new H.264 Encoders are designed to allow live video from cameras as well as video from PCs, set-top boxes and more to be streamed onto any network.
The AMX H.264 Encoder is available in two models — the NMX-ENC-1100 and NMX-ENC-1105. Both feature a multi-format input to support digital video signals, including MPEG-2 TS over UDP and RTP, as well as legacy analog sources such as an SDI source. The NMX-ENC-1100 is now shipping in the U.S., while the NMX-ENC-1105 will begin shipping later this month. AMX says that both models are expected to ship globally in June 2014.
Both are here. Leave a Comment
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Casio Intros New YA-S10 Geometric Correction Box Casio’s new YA-S10 Geometric Correction Box features technology that allows a single projector to display images on curved surfaces. Although aimed at the digital signage market, rAVe sees the YA-S10 as a perfect box for rental applications, as well as retail and trade show applications.
Features of the YA-S10 include:
- High-precision correction and an interface that allows easy modifications using a remote control
- Image correction for curved surfaces using free-form surface compensation with a lattice of up to 81 grid points for adjustments
- Enables users to project images onto curved pillars, round areas, flat surfaces, or any unique shape
- Adjusts any image misalignment or distortion without the need for additional hardware
The YA-S10 lists for $1,999.99 and more information can be found here. Leave a Comment
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VidOvation Debuts Automatic Video Bypass and Signal Changeover SwitchVidOvation’s new PKA-2210 primary use is as an automatic protection switch as the unit has two inputs with seamless and automatic switching capability. A primary video feed can be connected to the A input and a backup feed on the B input. If the A feed should fail, the PKA-2210 will switch to the B feed seamlessly using its multiple input frame sync capability. Another feature of the device is the internal generation of a video test signal with a character ID. This can be used to test and identify a video circuit. If the primary video circuit A fails and the B input fails as well or there is no backup B input, the system can seamlessly switch on a test signal and character ID onto the circuit or when it is not in use.
The PKA-2210 is available as a standalone unit or as a 1/3 rack-mount with an optional kit. The unit also comes in a dual wide card configuration called the PKA-5210. Up to 10 of the PKA-5210 cards can be installed in a 20 Slot 2RU openGear chassis with monitoring and control via openGear’s DashBoard and SNMP.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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VUE Audiotechnik h-8 Is Smallest Speaker in VUE Line VUE Audiotechnik today unveiled the h-8 speaker, which uses an 8-inch transducer with a neodymium compression driver that’s capable of high frequency performance thanks to the Truextent beryllium diaphragm at its core. VUE’s SystemVUE networking technology is standard in the h-8 and that makes it possible to connect one or more h-8′s with any VUE DSP-enabled system via a wired or wireless Ethernet connection to a computer. Once connected, SystemVUE Software provides access to a selection of network and device-level control and monitoring functions.
The h-8′s drivers and electronics are housed in a birch enclosure that includes M10 rigging points and an integrated pole-mount for both portable and fixed installation applications. The h-Class grill and handle surrounds receive a two-part finish that lays a coat of transparent candy-apple red over a black base for a deep hue that’s uniquely VUE. The signature h-Class look is completed with a heavy aluminum rear panel that features a machined “VUE” logo integrated into the heat sinks.
You can see all the h-8 specs here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Shipping Next Generation Fiber Optic DisplayPort Extender for Signals up to 2560×1600Extron is now shipping its FOX II DP, a transmitter and receiver set for long haul transmission of HDCP-compliant DisplayPort video, multi-channel audio, RS232 control and IR control signals over fiber optic cabling. The FOX II DP brings support for higher resolutions up to 2560×1600, multi-channel audio, an audio return channel and IR support to the FOX Series. Extron says it uses all-digital technology to deliver pixel-for-pixel DisplayPort computer-video images up to 2560×1600.
The fiber optic DisplayPort extender is available in multimode and single-mode models. Features include Key Minder, EDID Minder, Auto Input Memory, audio embedding and de-embedding, audio gain and attenuation control and real-time system monitoring. Using Extron’s PCS — Product Configuration Software, the FOX II DP can be programmed quickly.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe Rental [and Staging] Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
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A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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