Volume 8, Issue 6 — June 26, 2014
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Standard Shift
By Joel Rollins rAVe Columnist
Well, I’m just back from InfoComm, and after three days I have almost sorted out the debris. I have unpacked two suitcases full of dirty clothes, two boxes of literature I will never read, and several of the mysteriously popular LED flashing pins. Sometimes I wonder if trade shows are a conspiracy by the airlines to increase all those new fees for excess luggage.
But it was a good show, despite the fact that, as usual, I didn’t get to see much of it. But I had a number of great meetings with people I don’t get to see that often, and they prompted some great discussion.
One of the things we talk most often about is the direction of our various trade associations, primarily InfoComm. This is because they are by far the largest, with over 30,000 people attending the show this year, not to mention all of their other shows. The direction of InfoComm is relatively plain to see, with a world map of growing shows and a growing membership. But this left a number of us talking about its direction as a trade association, which I believe it is not, or at least not anymore. I feel this way because unlike other trade associations, you don’t actually have to be a trade member to join. You can participate as a student, an end-user, a dealer, a manufacturer, a distributor, an educator, etc. In fact, I think they have really missed the boat by not declaring a membership category of “attendee” or “bystander.”
This is not to say that this is not a valuable organization, only to say that it is no longer strictly a trade association. In fact, one of the things that we talked about most as we bore the heat outside in Las Vegas, smoking and yelling at each other, was the fact that InfoComm has also become a standards organization, working with ANSI to produce “industry standards.” However, the standards still mostly address performance by commercial members, although much of the constituency is no longer commercial. Comparisons were made to the mice voting to bell the cat, always carefully looking around to make sure no one in a red shirt was listening, lest the next “standard”include a ban on useless gossip at the show.
But, this month, I am here to help. In order to level the playing field, I am submitting the following “standards”to be used to evaluate the other part of our membership, those of you who are end-users. In fact, I believe we should begin with a code of ethics and conduct similar to those used by the CTS designation. So I humbly submit this pledge for consideration by the membership:
- As a certified end-user, I understand that my personal standards of honor and integrity must, at all times, be above reproach, and that I must conduct myself in a manner that reflects favorably upon my fellow end-users. Therefore, I hereby pledge to stop referring to a 10,000-lumen 3-D projection system as an “overhead projector.”
- As a certified end-user, I pledge to be truthful and accurate in what I say, do and write. This includes providing accurate counts of the number of people who will attend an event, and providing an agenda that is at least somewhat representative of reality, even if this means having to actually pick up the phone and check these numbers before I give them to my staging company.
- As a certified end-user, I will demonstrate a commitment to excellence in all aspects of my role, and will encourage the highest level of ethics within the industry, even if this robs me of the ability to throw the technical director under the bus in front of my boss.
- As a certified end-user, I will avoid compromise of my professional judgment by conflicts of interest. Therefore, I pledge not to ditch the rehearsals in favor of attending the free cocktail party I got from the hotel for booking the show.
- As a certified end-user, I will undertake only those assignments for which I am competent by way of education, training and experience, and will insist on the same competencies in the rest of my crew. This means that I will not bring in my brother-in-law who “knows a lot about stereos”to direct the show.
- As a certified end-user, I understand that my ethics are scrutinized by my industry. Therefore, I promise to take a mail-order course to improve my memory, so that I will pay the bills that I signed for and not insist that I changed them verbally later.
- As a certified end-user, I pledge to do my best to achieve clarity in my communications with my suppliers, including remembering to tell them about the marching band that will come through the room during the opening, which will require wireless microphones for 72 brass instruments.
- Lastly, as a certified end-user I hereby pledge not to step to the podium, tap the microphone, and shout, “Is this thing on?”, understanding that when I do, it is not the crew’s fault that they roll their eyes.
We continue to move forward as an industry, sometimes despite ourselves. In order to help with that progress, next month we will address a code of conduct for tradeshow exhibitors, even if we have to tell Microsoft that this means actually showing up with an exhibit. Leave a Comment
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Audinate Announces Dante HC Audinate has introduced the Dante HC, a high-capacity networked audio solution for commercial AV systems. Dante HC supports up to 512×512 redundant bi-directional uncompressed audio channels on a single Xilinx FPGA.
Dante is an audio-over-IP networking solution offering what the company calls “virtually perfect synchronization, ultra-low deterministic latency and plug-and-play configuration management.” Dante’s real-time streaming is designed for live broadcast, commercial installation, live sound, public address, intercoms and transportation communications deployments.
Dante HC expands Audinate’s broad portfolio of audio networking choices, which OEMs may build upon, to create cost effective AV products. The Dante HC reference design is ideal for AV equipment products requiring high channel capacity, such as audio matrix routers, large format consoles, public address and evacuation systems and large scale DSPs.
“Audinate is the only company that offers OEMs simple-to-deploy audio networking solutions to cover their complete product range, beginning from 2 x 2 channel Dante Ultimo chips, through mid-range Dante Brooklyn modules, which operate up to 64 x 64 channels, to 128 x 128 channel Dante PCIe Cards,” said Gary Southwell, Audinate’s vice president of product management. “The launch of Dante HC, which quadruples the maximum channel count for a single device to 512 x 512 channels, enables our OEMs to design a new generation of highly scalable networked products.”
Dante HC offers a wide selection of interface options including SPI, I2C, RS232 and configurable GPIO. A powerful onboard microprocessor allows local control and management without the need for any additional CPU. Dante HC benefits from the same advanced robust feature support that is included across Audinate’s portfolio of Dante-enabled solutions, as well as future support for the AES67 standard.
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Sound Devices Launches Video DevicesSound Devices has created a new brand and identity for its line of video products dubbed Video Devices.
Since the company introduced its first video product in 2011, the PIX 240, Sound Devices has expanded on its success with additional camera-mounted and rack-mounted video recorders. These product additions, including the new PIX 270i and PIX 250i, have opened new markets and product categories. The network-connected PIX 270i and PIX 250i video decks offer significant advantages and time-savings to production workflows, providing tapeless, file-based recording and playback with the ability to remotely control, setup and transfer high-quality files over Ethernet. The units record edit-ready Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD files and allow simultaneous multiple-drive recording, giving production staff peace of mind with their rock-solid redundancy and backup capabilities (four drives for PIX 270i and two drives for 250i). Their extensive audio capabilities, including 64 channels of both MADI audio and Dante audio-over-Ethernet for PIX 270i (a world’s first for a video deck) and PIX 250i’s 16 tracks of audio, make each unit a comprehensive, cost-effective tool for high-performance video capture and presentation.
Over the next several months, the company will brand all video-related products as Video Devices, including the PIX 220i, PIX 240i, PIX 250i and PIX 270i recorders. All future products, specific to video markets, will also be branded Video Devices. This is an important step in a focused strategy to make Video Devices a force in the video production and video integration markets.
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Barco Intros Entry-Level Narrow-Bezel LCD displays for Tiled Video WallsThe new Barco OverView EVD-4621 is designed for use in non-24/7 environments, including meeting rooms, stores, advertising, and communications. This new model adds to Barco’s existing narrow-bezel LCD display portfolio, which now offers a solution for every application and budget.
The OverView EVD-4621 is a 46” LCD that uses a 1080p native display with a 180-degree viewing angle, and low energy consumption and is aimed at the tiled video wall market as it has a narrow bezel of only 1.9 mm or 0.075” (right, bottom) and 3.8 mm or 0.13” (left, top).
With a typical luminance level of 450 cd/m², the OverView EVD-4621 is well suited for low light environments. More specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Digital Projection and OSA Offer FlexFleet Rental Program for Professional Stagers Digital Projection and OSA International have announce a FlexFleet Rental Program to provide professional stagers a competitive option for renting high performance projectors.
The FlexFleet Rental Program provides professional stagers the option of renting the most current high performance, 3-chip, 20K lumen, TITAN Quad 3D projectors, as well as the 110 volt powered, 15K lumen TITAN 930-3D projectors. This rental fleet is fully equipped with DPI’s staging-oriented RapidRig projector rigging system, and a wide selection of lenses sourced directly from the manufacturer. OSA’s Media Solutions, which specializes in custom video and multimedia displays, manages all aspects of this program.
Media Solutions works with qualified professional stagers to quote and secure the equipment required for their events. Depending on the level of complexity or staffing resources of the client, Media Solutions can also provide highly qualified field engineers to operate the projectors to ensure a flawless event.
To participate in the FlexFleet Rental Program, clients must be professional stagers with qualified staff to ensure effective setup and performance of the TITAN projectors, or hire a Media Solutions’ field engineer to operate the system during the event. Media Solutions, powered by OSA International, Inc., is recognized in the event and entertainment industry for its superior quality, expertise, technology, and flawless execution. With more than two decades of experience, knowledge, and growth, Media Solutions is the preferred partner for multimedia and video displays, and staging services of technical directors, producers, production companies and event planners for some of the largest and most complex events in a variety of markets.
For more information, or to request a rental quote, email here. Leave a Comment
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Mackie Extends SRM Professional Line with Two New Dual-Woofer DesignsToday Mackie launched two new additions to the SRM family of powered loudspeakers — the SRM750 1600W Dual 15-inch High-Definition Powered Loudspeaker and the SRM2850 1600W Dual 18-inch Powered Subwoofer.
Both new models include a 1600-watt amp platform paired with custom transducers housed within professional-grade, internally-braced all-wood cabinets.
The new Mackie SRM750 and SRM2850 will be available soon and list for $1,499.99 and $1,999.99, respectively. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Barco Introduces HD Digital Mirror System for Large-Venue Projectors Barco showed at InfoComm the MMS (Moving Mirror System), a new projector accessory that empowers show designers with HD images anywhere on stage or within an exhibit. From installations to rental and staging, the new MMS is integrated with options for programming dynamic, artistic shows. Using a large, custom front surface and optically flat mirror, the MMS quickly and easily delivers pristine HD images at the command of the designer.
The MMS augments Barco’s large-venue projectors with the capability to broadcast a variety of pre-programmed images. Eliminating the need for custom rigging frames and heavy yokes to position visuals where desired, the MMS system enables the projector to be rigged in its natural position, with the mirror doing all the work remotely. Then, it can be controlled either via the layout of the projector, the Barco Projector Toolset, or with an external lighting DMX desk.
The MMS System was developed by High End Systems. The high-definition digital mirror system attaches to Barco’s HDX, HDF and HDQ series large-venue projectors, and is available in two versions: the MMS-100 includes an Axon HD media server onboard with the mirror and the MMS-200 features only the mirror component.
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Digital Projection Unveils 4K Laser Illumination Combination Projector Digital Projection International’s new INSIGHT LASER 4K projector is a 20,000-hours, no-lamp laser projector that has a spec of 12,000 ANSI lumens.
Aimed at simulation, visualization, entertainment, house of worship and large-screen applications, DPI says the INSIGHT LASER 4K has been developed with a ‘Set it and Forget it’ directive, delivering a simpler user experience. And, by bypassing regular lamp replacement cycles, nearly all lifetime costs for the INSIGHT are incurred at time of purchase.
Engineered within a lightweight and rugged all metal chassis, the INSIGHT 4K series offers the benefits of a laser light source (primarily, longevity – 20,000 hours of life) being projected through a phosphor wheel, yielding 12,000 lumens of brightness. The INSIGHT 4K also delivers full 4K 3D display capability. Dual HDMI and DVI inputs enable the latest high-bandwidth video delivery. A full range of 4K lenses, offering throw ratios from 1.13:1 to 4.98:1, with extensive vertical and horizontal lens shift, is available as well. DPI says this projector should be available by the end of the year
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Casio Intros 1.7” Thin LED-Based Projectors Casio America’s new SLIM projectors, weighing only five pounds and only 1.7 inches thick, feature Casio’s proprietary LASER & LED HYBRID Light Source, which combines a laser, a fluorescent element and LEDs to generate light. Now in its fifth generation, Casio says the improved light source offers a 30 percent increase in light output and 20,000 -our lifespan for the projectors.
Compatible with Crestron Roomview, the SLIM line includes a feature Casio calls Intelligent Brightness Control (maintaining the same brightness over time), wired LAN projection and MobiShow (which is Casio’s wireless presentations system but it’s proprietary and compatible with no other wireless system on the market) and HDMI, VGA and RS232C ports.
There are six models that range from 2,500 to 3,000 lumens and can be ordered as either XGA or WXGA resolution.
Full specs on each of the SLIM projectors is here. Leave a Comment
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Barco Debuts 35K Lumen Projector Barco has expanded its projection portfolio for rental and staging and house of worship markets with a brand-new three-chip DLP projector with a specified brightness level of 35,000 lumens. Dubbed the HDQ-4K35, this projector is capable of showing native 4K content at 60 Hz frame rates. It has an integrated design with internal power supply, rental frame and no external chimney fan.
The HDQ-4K35 is equipped with a Xenon 6.5 kW lamp and a high-contrast optical engine. Rental companies that already own a fleet of HDQ-2K40 projectors can reuse their XLD lenses for the HDQ-4K35 projector or opt for dedicated 4K lenses if higher lens shifts are needed to achieve the right image.
Designed with the rental and staging market in mind, the HDQ-4K35 comes with a rugged metal chassis to withstand the challenging conditions of continuous shipping.
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L-ACOUSTICS Introduces K2 and PANFLEX Technology at InfoCommL-ACOUSTICS’ new K2 line source array loudspeaker system featuring PANFLEX technology will make its U.S. debut at InfoComm.
The replacement to L-ACOUSTICS’ V-DOSC system, K2 offers K1 performance in a rescaled package. It’s being aimed at both the installation and touring markets. The primary system components include:
- K2 full-range element with PANFLEX horizontal steering, operating from 35 Hz to 20 kHz
- K1-SB low-frequency element reinforcing LF contour down to 30 Hz or LF throw down to 35 Hz
- SB28 low-frequency element extending the operating bandwidth down to 25 Hz
- LA4X / LA8 amplified controllers or LA-RAK touring rack fitted with three LA8
K2 employs L-ACOUSTICS’ new PANFLEX, a horizontal steering technology that combines mechanically adjustable fins with DSP algorithms effective from 300 Hz. Four different settings are possible: two symmetric (70 or 110 degrees) and two asymmetric (90 degrees as 35/55 or 55/35). Narrowing or widening the horizontal directivity can serve many purposes: adapt to the width of the listening area, fit long and short distance coverage/SPL requirements, reduce or extend overlapping areas, and avoid reflecting surfaces.
Using a three-way quad-amplified design, the K2 enclosure can be deployed as a standalone line source. For applications demanding extreme LF impact (contour mode), or maximized LF projection (throw mode), K2 can be arrayed with its dedicated and flyable K1-SB LF extension. The K2 system can also address applications with demanding infrasonic reproduction when combined to the SB28 subwoofer. Before installation, any system configurations can be acoustically and mechanically modeled with L-ACOUSTICS’ SOUNDVISION 3D simulation software.
For touring applications, K2 can be associated to the LA-RAK, a universal distribution platform for power, audio signals and network that facilitates cross rental between rental companies. LA-RAK houses three LA8 amplified controllers and can be flown onto a K2 array. Other applications can feature LA8 amplified controllers. For high-end installation projects, K2 can also be driven by the LA4X amplified controller. The scheme authorizes fully discrete DSP treatment per section and maximum power headroom for the best possible sonic performance.
Up to 253 LA8/LA4X amplified controllers can be connected together via the Ethernet-based L-NET protocol. LA NETWORK MANAGER software allows online remote control and monitoring of all the connected units and features their Array Morphing EQ. This tool allows the engineer to quickly adjust the tonal balance of the system to reach a reference curve or to ensure consistency of the sonic signature.
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Barco Takes on Dataton with 4K Show Controller Barco’s new E2 image processor features native 4K inputs and outputs and supporting 4K content at professional frame rates (up to 60p 4:4:4). The E2 is integrated with eight mixable PGM outputs and four scaled AUX outputs for full show control within a single box.
Whether native or scaled inputs, two connectors or four, this HDCP-compliant system manages it all. With 28 inputs and 14 outputs (eight PGM, two Multi-viewer and four scaled Aux outputs), the E2 system offers full show control in one box, including eight independent PIP mixers and a dedicated Multi-viewer.
The E2 is built to expand outputs but its inputs and layers can also be extended — the system is even capable of managing a blend of up to 32 4K projectors. With a linkable chassis, the E2 can expand its capabilities without requiring external routers to distribute the signals.
The E2 presets are stored on the chassis and can be controlled by any third-party systems. Multiple users can control the system simultaneously, and the API allows third-party developers to create custom control programs and interfaces.
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Stewart Debuts 90-foot Seamless Screen at InfoCommStewart Filmscreen announced the formalization of three new screen-size categories at InfoComm — Standard, Large, and Stewart Large. All are seamless projection screens at extra-large sizes for any commercial venue, including hospitality, house of worship, education, entertainment, restaurants, corporate, government, military and more.
Stewart’s three new size categories are Standard, which includes screens that offer images up to 12 feet wide; Large, which includes screens that have an image width of up to 24 feet; and Stewart Large, which boasts screens up to 90 feet wide and 40 feet high.
For custom solutions, those submitting design requests will be contacted within 24 hours to review and refine the design proposal.
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XTA Launches New APA Series at InfoComm 2014 XTA is debuting the APA series (Adaptive Processing Amplification) at this year’s InfoComm show. According to XTA, APA’s new power and DSP platforms have been designed to interact intelligently and adapt to prevailing conditions, protecting drivers and significantly enhancing performance from all speaker systems.
Using what XTA claims is studio-quality analog-to-digital converters at the outputs as well as the inputs, real-time audio currents and voltages presented at the speaker terminals can be fed back into the DSP in addition to processing the incoming audio, allowing the amplifier to adapt and correct its performance continuously. The coupling of the power supply’s behavior through real-time monitoring of the mains supply, as well as over ten temperature sense points means that the amplifier can adjust its power consumption and output drive to ensure that maximum permissible power is always available.
A Class D amplifier design, the APA has a quick start mode and an ultra low power stand-by mode (with a power consumption of under 0.75W) that mean reduces the running costs.
The first model — the APA-4E8 — features four channels of power totaling 20kW peak output into four ohms, and continuous power available of 3400W per channel into four ohms. Four audio inputs allow all four amplifier channels to be individually utilized if required with a full suite of XTA’s world-renowned DSP, including dynamic EQ, FIR (and phase linearization) and classic IIR filtering, mix matrix and the manufacturer’s famously transparent limiters and soft knee compressors.
The APA-4E8 can route audio from analog, AES or network sources with automatic fallback. USB and internal SD cards offer additional audio choices for playback of emergency evacuation messages, and quick upload of presets or download of performance logging data. The APA series also includes extensive GPIO and remote control covered by Ethernet, USB and RS485.
Housed in a 2U chassis and weighing 28.2 pounds (12.8 kg), the APA-4E8 sports an elegant front panel interface with a large color LCD, which, in combination with innovative user selectable metrics and tricolor multimode panel metering, offers reassuring feedback of the amplifier status from any distance.
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Barco Intros Bundled LCD video walls
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
Dubbed the Instant VideoWall solution, Barco is offering customers an all-in-one package (aka pre-packaged) that simplifies the configuration process dramatically and saves time and money.
The Instant VideoWall is the first of Barco’s next-generation, fit-for-purpose LCD visualization platforms. These are designed to offer high level image quality and performance, simplified installation and maintenance and 24/7 mission-critical reliability. It caters to the visualization needs of control rooms as well as of collaboration and planning, as well as research and development applications.
Barco’s all-in-one architecture comes in standard 2×2, 3×2 and 4×2 tiled LCD set-ups, features an ultra-narrow bezel — as narrow as 3.5 millimeters with the recently announced Overview OVD and KVD series. The all-in-one solution also comes with Barco’s display management software.
Optionally, the packages include Barco’s integrated IP video streaming for basic sensor and collaborative applications or Barco’s TransForm family of video wall controllers to enable pixel-accurate display of multi-sensor information.
Barco’s planned display product and networked solution developments will be gradually integrated into its Instant VideoWall all-in-one bundles. Currently, the extension with Barco’s new HTML5 content aggregator (X2O) is in development, thus integrating the bundles in Barco’s comprehensive cross-campus visualization architectures.
The OverView OVD and KVD series, Barco’s new tiled LCD video walls, feature a number of innovations — including automatic color and brightness calibration (SenseX), optional external redundant power supply, Energy Star 6.0 compliance, and integrated IP video streaming — that ensure the highest uniformity across panels, optimize uptime, and reduce total cost of ownership.
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Atlas Sound Announces Flyable Line Array Atlas Sound has announced the release of its Atlas A-Line Acoustics AL123A-B and AL218A-B network configurable, flyable line array speaker and subwoofer. These new speakers are designed to provide high intelligibility and high output sound for large format installations including arenas, theaters, houses of worship and auditoriums.
The AL123A-B is a three-way line array speaker that features and integrated amplifier with DSP network control. The unit includes dual 12″ woofers, four 6″ mid-range drivers, and dual 1.4″ high frequency compression drivers. The AL123A-B features an integrated amplifier that delivers 2000-watts to the woofers, 800-watts to the mid-range drivers, and 400-watts to the high frequency drivers. The amplifier also includes on-board DSP software that allows the unit to be configured using the network to maximize the sound quality in the space.
The AL218A-B is a dual 18″ subwoofer enclosure that includes an integrated amplifier capable of producing 3000-watts RMS power. Both the EL123A-B and AL218A-B include the patent pending EZAL rigging system that enables them to be flown or stacked easily and securely. The units include a universal power supply that auto selects between 85V and 268V, 50Hz-60Hz.
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HARMAN’s BSS Audio Introduces Soundweb Contrio Control And Media ServerAimed at large-scale professional audio networking in stadiums, arenas and large fixed installations, HARMAN’s BSS Audio today debuted its Soundweb Contrio system control server at InfoComm 2014. Now, integration professionals have the ability to design network architectures that place advanced system control, system management and media server functionality at a central point of the network and, in doing so, build systems that are more efficient, more practical and better performing. At just 1U rack space, the Soundweb Contrio server is a headless system controller device fully configurable with HiQnet Audio Architect software as part of the HARMAN Architectural Media Systems solution. Backwards-compatible with BSS Audio’s Soundweb London family, the Soundweb Contrio server is the first product within the new Soundweb Contrio family that will ultimately provide enhanced processing capability and greater flexibility for a variety of applications.
The Soundweb Contrio server enables system control logic configuration, both with a similar ‘wiring’ design environment as exposed in Audio Architect for existing Soundweb London devices, and a new open scripted Lua environment. System-wide presets can be configured at the parameter level, enabling a very precise level of detail in the creation of system reset functionality.
And, an event scheduler enables comprehensive preset recall – whether at a system level, a device level or at a parameter level.
The Soundweb Contrio server also provides a single network clock to provide an accurate synchronization of all HiQnet devices on the network.
The server includes something BSS calls a system self-healing functionality. By monitoring the Ethernet switch and ports to which all devices are connected, a day-to-day operator need only replace a device on the same switch port and the server will automatically remotely configure all the addressing and configuration of the new device to match the old. In this way, it is not necessary to launch a software application to add replacement devices to the system.
The Soundweb Contrio server monitors all HiQnet devices and logs all warning or error conditions. The event logs of individual devices are also aggregated to provide a centralized monitoring location for the full system.
The Soundweb Contrio server supports both HARMAN BLU link and Audinate Dante audio transports in order that it can fit appropriately with a variety of system configurations. In addition to its ability to recall system-wide presets, the event scheduler enables message playback over the audio network.
As with the Soundweb London series of products, the Soundweb Contrio server is configured within HiQnet Audio Architect — HARMAN’s common control software application for all devices in a sound system, from microphone to speaker. To facilitate system setup, HiQnet Audio Architect is unique in its graphical representation of the installed sound venue as the system design environment.
The Soundweb Contrio server runs an embedded version of HiQnet Audio Architect and is therefore immediately capable of providing integrators and end-users comprehensive management of all system presets, backup, storage of specific venue setup modes, event aggregation and scheduling.
The Soundweb Contrio server is the first of the next generation of backward-compatible BSS Audio products and is designed to work in conjunction with BSS Audio’s new series of Soundweb Contrio wall controllers. The controllers are available in white or black and provide visual feedback for end-users to easily manage and adjust audio operation in a specific environment.
The headless appliance is just 1U rack space high and features a 500 GB solid-state drive.
The Soundweb Contrio server will be available in September 2014. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Sound Devices Intros 970 Audio-Only Rackmount Solution Sound Devices’ new 970 is its first-ever dedicated audio-only rack-mounted solution, which has 64 channels of Dante and MADI. The half-rack, 2U device is aimed at live events such as concerts and sports recording, corporate events, houses of worship (HOW), studio and mobile production, as well as theater and museum presentations.
Sound Devices 970 records 64 channels of monophonic or polyphonic 24-bit WAV files from any of its 144 available inputs. Inputs available include 64 channels of Ethernet-based Dante, 64 channels of optical or coaxial MADI, eight channels of line-level analog and eight channels of AES digital. The 970 is a powerful tool for professionals who require a significant number of audio channels. Any input can be assigned to any track. In addition, 32-track recording at 96 kHz is supported.
The 970 records to any of four attached drives, which include two front-panel drive bays and two rear-panel e-SATA connected drives. Material can be recorded to multiple drives simultaneously or sequentially. This eliminates time-consuming post-record copying and allows for continuous long-form, high-track count recordings.
The Sound Devices 970 features an embedded Web-based control panel for machine transport and setup control over Ethernet-based networks as well as file transfer over the data network with SMB. In mission-critical audio-over-IP AV installations, where hundreds of audio channels are distributed between zones, setting up a redundant network to protect against loss of audio due to network failure provides peace of mind. The ability to have one drive transferring files over Ethernet, while another continues recording, offers significant production time savings. Corporate, HOW, theater and museum presentation videos that are created, edited and rendered remotely can be transferred directly to the venue.
File metadata editing of scene name, take name, notes, track names and reel folders can be done during, before and after recording across all drives. In addition to RS-422 and GPIO control, the unit also allows for format conversion between analog, AES digital, MADI and Dante, acting as a bridge and routing matrix between these types of audio I/O.
Sound Devices 970 is designed with a large five-inch screen for metering of up to 64 tracks and for fast and intuitive menu control. It also features the Sound Devices proprietary PowerSafe technology. PowerSafe circuitry has a built-in 10-second power reserve. In the event of power loss, the unit continues to operate for up to 10 seconds, then stops any file operation and shuts down. This ensures that a complete power loss has no effect on the recording. In addition, the 970 features FileSafe, which automatically detects and repairs corrupted file headers when drives are mounted. This occurs when a drive is inadvertently removed during recording, with the 970, simply reinsert the drive and it automatically repairs its files.
With its built-in, rock-steady Ambient Recording Lockit time-code technology, the 970 is well-suited to operate as a master clock. It can also slave or be jammed to any other time-code source. All common production time-code rates and modes are supported. The 970 also supports external synchronization from word clock, MADI or AES. To simplify the connection of multiple digital inputs, SRCs are available for all MADI, Dante or AES inputs.
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StudioLive AI Mixers to Add CascadingPreSonus has announced a new digital mixing solution that provides up to 64-channels, multi-track recording, networked remote control for under $8,000 U.S. This solution will be available via an upcoming firmware upgrade for all StudioLive AI-series Active Integration digital mixers. Users will be able to start with 16, 24, or 32 channels, then cascade a second mixer of any frame size to create custom-sized mixing consoles with all the hardware and software advantages of StudioLive Active Integration systems.
Cascading mixers functionally creates a single large-format console with full recording and remote-control capability by simply connecting a FireWire 800 cable between the two mixers. For example, combine two StudioLive 32.4.2AI to get a 64-channel system with 32 mix buses that can record 80 simultaneous streams and play back 66 on any FireWire 800- or Thunderbolt-equipped computer.
Cascading mixers of different frame sizes is great for special events that require a few extra recording channels that don’t need to be in every monitor mix. For example, a StudioLive 16.4.2AI can be cascaded to a 32.4.2AI and form a single 48-channel console with 6 global aux buses, as well as 8 local aux sends that are available to the channels on the 32.4.2AI.
This firmware upgrade is part of PreSonus’ continuing series of free updates to its StudioLive-series mixers and will be available to all registered StudioLive AI mixers owners as a free download from their My PreSonus accounts later this summer. It follows hard on the heels of a firmware update that enables StudioLive AI mixers to directly download future firmware updates over any network with Internet access.
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PreSonus and OBEDIA Offer PreSonus-Certified Music ComputersPreSonus has announced the PCAudioLabs PSc Rok and PSc Rak computers powered by OBEDIA. These new music-production computers are loaded with PreSonus Studio One Professional 2 DAW, Capture live-recording software for StudioLive mixers, and drivers for every PreSonus FireWire and USB interface and for all StudioLive and StudioLive AI-series digital mixers.
Each system is backed by OBEDIA, the first name in audio industry training and support services, and includes a one-year warranty and a free 30-minute remote desktop training session for any PreSonus product. Additional training and an extended warranty are available.
The PSc Rok is a compact, expandable mini-tower that is optimized for studio applications. Three models are available:
- PSc Rok 3 – Intel i3 Dual Core, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB hard drive, FireWire 400, DVD-RW drive, Windows 8.1 64-bit
- PSc Rok 5 – Intel i5 Quad Core, 8 GB RAM, 500 GB system and 1 TB audio hard drives, FireWire 400 and 800, DVD-RW drive, dual video ports, Windows 8.1 64-bit
- PSc Rok 7 – Intel i7 Quad Core, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB system and 2 TB audio hard drives, FireWire 400 and 800, DVD-RW drive, dual video ports, Windows 8.1 64-bit
The PSc Rak is a mobile PC solution that’s ideal for StudioLive and StudioLive AI systems. Two models are available:
- PSc Rak 5 – Intel i5 Quad Core, 8 GB RAM, 500 GB system and 1 TB audio hard drives, FireWire 400 and 800, DVD-RW drive, dual video ports, Windows 8.1 64-bit
- PSc Rak 7 – Intel i7 Quad Core, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB system and 2 TB audio hard drives, FireWire 400 and 800, DVD-RW drive, dual video ports, Windows 8.1 64-bit
PSc-series computers will be available in the U.S. only with the following pricing: PSc Rok 3, $999; PSc Rok 5, $1,499; PSc Rok 7, $1,999; PSc Rak 5, $1,499; and PSc Rak 7 $1,999. More information is here.
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HARMAN’s dbx Debuts Its AFS2 Advanced Feedback Suppression ProcessorHARMAN’s dbx last week announced the introduction of its AFS2 Advanced Feedback Suppression Processor, designed to completely eliminate feedback from a PA system. The AFS2 is aimed at bands, DJs, live sound and fixed installation applications and offers a host of upgraded features including a Wizard auto-setup function, a completely re-designed Advanced Feedback Suppression module, and a large LCD display.
Successor to the popular AFS224, the AFS2 provides state-of-the-art feedback elimination, yet is simple to use, thanks to its one-button Wizard function that automates key setup parameters and walks the user through the configuration process. The AFS2 offers a full LCD display and 24 LED meters per channel for setup and monitoring. The AFS2 can be added to a system in minutes, thanks to its easy rear-panel connectivity and its optimized front panel.
The AFS2’s all-new DSP module takes dbx Advanced Feedback Suppression (AFS) to an entirely new level. This new module provides for faster and more focused filter sets in both fixed and live mode. While 10- and 12-filter feedback-elimination processors are commonplace, the dedicated processor in the AFS2 provides up to 24 programmable filters per channel with filter Qs up to 1/80 of an octave. This level of extreme precision, previously available only in high-end processors, enables the AFS2 to zero in on the exact frequencies needed to attenuate feedback. The AFS2 offers application-specific filter types including Speech and Music Low, Medium and High.
The AFS2 offers selectable Live and Fixed (installed sound) filter modes, selectable filter lift times, live filter lift and more, all of which are available via the intuitive front panel user interface. The AFS2 can be used in either stereo or dual independent channel mode. It includes XLR and TRS inputs and outputs and a USB jack to enable firmware updates when they become available.
Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Chief Adds Height Extenders for Select Fusion Video Wall MountsChief has designed new height extender accessories to allow higher sight-lines on all Fusion bolt-down video wall mounts.
“Almost immediately after we released the bolt-down video wall mounts, we were getting requests from customers for the option to raise the height of the walls,” said Kathryn Gaskell, product manager. “These accessories will meet that demand without compromising the safety of the installation.”
The extenders come in two lengths and are designed to safely raise the height of the lowest display row of bolt down mounts by 18 or 36″ (457 or 914 millimeters). Larger configurations like the 3×3 landscape and 3×2 portrait are limited to 18″ (457 millimeters) of height extension.
More information is available here and here. Leave a Comment
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