Volume 8, Issue 8 — August 11, 2015
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Kramer Takes A Leap Forward in Collaboration
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
At InfoComm this year, Kramer Electronics introduced some new products and upgrades to products. We have been using the VIA Connect Pro for a few months and are very excited about the possibilities. Previously, we had been using the Crestron AirMedia product for wireless display. While we were happy with the product, there were several things we were not crazy about. In particular, the speed of the connection, along with the problems associated with streaming from an iOS device. Anybody who has read any of my articles knows that I am a big Crestron fan boy. But, taking a picture of the screen of your iOS device, and sharing that picture is not “streaming” from an iOS device.
Of the VIA products the Connect Pro is the only one that I have had direct experience with. In the time I have spent with the product it is has proven its worth and is now the standard going in our classrooms. Speaking of worth, the Connect Pro was a few hundred dollars less than the Crestron AirMedia product. So proving its worth sets a low bar from the start.
I believe that wireless connections are very valuable to collaboration in the classroom and the board room. What I think we tend to miss though when we get caught up in collaboration talk is the fact that this box provides a very simple way to completely eliminate the “dongle” and cable problem that users experience all the time. In some of our classrooms, we have a VGA cable, HDMI cable and three adapters attached to those cables for people to use their phones, iPads, Surfaces or other mobile devices. Anyone who has spent time supporting a presentation system knows that the dongle problem is a common one. With the addition of this box that all goes away. In fact, my experience with this box suggests that we could even do away with the single auxiliary HDMI cable. The download and setup of the VIA software tool literally takes seconds.
If that was all the Connect Pro did, it would still be worth its cost, however, the Connect Pro is far more than a wireless presentation gateway. It is also a complete collaboration toolkit. Like other devices, the Connect Pro can display the screens of four computers at one time. There is a moderator mode that allows a person to choose which screen are being displayed. This utility is very helpful in the board room or classroom where participants are comparing results, or data, and want to look at it side by side.
This device also allows for text chatting during presentations. These text messages can be sent privately from one participant to another. A great tool for communication with other participants in a way that is not distracting for anyone in the room. A white board collaboration allows for multiple participants to annotate over the screen being displayed. This is a fantastic way for students or a teacher in a classroom, to point out specific pieces of a presentation, or ask a detailed question. A final collaboration aspect of the device is the ability to send files to other participants. Do you want that Excel file that was just examined? How about the PowerPoint presentation with detailed notes? Send a text message to the person who just presented and they can directly FTP it to you.
In my testing, video over the wireless connection was quite adequate. If you are showing a short clip as part of a presentation, I would feel very comfortable using the wireless feature. However, if you are showing a longer video, and you don’t want to worry about quality degradation or buffering, then the Connect Pro allows you to upload the video directly to it. This eliminates any buffering, stuttering or quality loss.
One feature I found surprising is that the Connect Pro requires a hard coded IP address. While I understand the value of always knowing the IP address, that can be easily resolved by using a BOOTP or a fixed DHCP address. It is a pain to have to enter the information in manually, and this is one of the few products I have seen that require it. A solid note on networking is that the device does let you tie into your Active Directory user database. Although I have not experimented with this feature, it is very promising. It will allow you to do things like make all faculty moderators by default, and all students participants. Leave a Comment
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Sharp Exits Consumer TV Market in Americas — Sort of (Updated)
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
Reuters reported this morning that Sharp Corporation has decided to exit the TV market in North and South America.
They’ve not been profitable in the TV market in years and after a $2 Billion refinance, they promised to eliminate 5,000 jobs — this was the best and easiest way to do that. Cut the department hemorrhaging money.
But, just as they announced that, it was announced that China’s Hisense Group says they have purchased the rights to the Sharp brand in North and South America. Hisense Group bought all equity and assets of Sharp’s TV factory in Mexico for $23.7 million with rights to use the “Sharp” brand name and all its channel resources in both both regions. This acquisition will have Hisense completely taking over Sharp’s TV business in these regions.
So, what about commercial monitors?
We just had a conversation with Sharp Senior Vice President of Marketing and Operations Mike Marusic and he was kind enough to share all the commercial AV details with our us. So, this deal has nothing to do with the professional or prosumer line of Sharp displays. In fact, every new product launched at InfoComm is still on schedule as announced at the show — including the new 4K line, the 90” and all the AQUOS Board products. Marusic explained that the consumer TVs are manufactured at separate factories and separate production lines.
We have obtained a copy of an internal memo to Sharp employees that was just released — it’s from Toshihiko Fujimoto, Regional Chief Officer for North & South America, Sharp Corporation Chairman & CEO, Sharp Electronics Corporation. If you want to read it, click here [PDF].
So, the summary: Our industry is not affected by this change within Sharp and, in fact, it is likely that Sharp will become a better commercial monitor provider as more resources that may have been spent on the consumer line could now be shifted to support the B2B world.
Sharp’s professional line is here and its AQUOS Board line is here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Acquires Entwine AG, Will Compete in Video Capture SpaceExtron just announced that it has purchased Entwine AG of Zurich, Switzerland. A software company, Entwine specializes in building end-to-end video capture and presentation capture solutions using an open source software called OpenCast Matterhorn, as well as HTML5 and WebRTC.
Of course, Extron’s been in the lecture-capture hardware market since last summer when they debuted its SMP-351, but this purchase of Entwine gives them a complete package as they now control the software side of things, too. Thus, current market leaders Sonic Foundry and Echo360 will see a big company, Extron, not only validating their market but also competing with them directly. The benefit to everyone is obvious as lecture capture has always been a niche market and Extron can mainstream it with more solutions as well as grow the overall market opportunities beyond what is mostly limited to higher-ed.
Although some of you may not have heard of Entwine, it was founded in 2011 and has offices in Zurich and San Francisco. According to the company’s website, it has decades of real-world experience designing, developing and deploying a wide range of video capture and distribution across across various industries. Its focus for lecture and presentation capture has been in the education, corporate and healthcare industries.
“Entwine has proven expertise developing software for enterprise-scale presentation capture systems, including Europe’s largest lecture capture system at the University of Manchester in the UK, which involves over 300 classrooms,” said Andrew Edwards, president of Extron Electronics. “With this acquisition, we are excited to add a software engineering group with many years of expertise in the field of network based presentation capture systems to Extron’s industry leading engineering team.”
In a joint statement, Andy Wasklewicz and Tobias Wunden, founders of Entwine said, “Extron is the market leader for AV systems products, and with the SMP 351 Streaming Media Processor they have set a new standard for high performance streaming and recording hardware. We are excited to join the Extron team and are thrilled at the opportunity to offer customers end-to-end presentation capture solutions that leverage the strength of our combined hardware and software technologies.”
Extron is here and the company’s SMP 351 is here. Leave a Comment
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AtlasIED Intros HPA Series of Multi-Channel AmpsAtlas Sound launched the HPA Series power amplifiers here at infoComm. These amplifiers are designed as ruggedized amps for any application type or load condition.
Each model has two channels output that can be used in stereo, bridged, or parallel operation. Balanced inputs allow easy connection of audio sources and stepped attenuators per channel enable accurate setting with security covers that protect settings post installation. A universal power supply auto senses AC current at both 120VAC and 220VAC enabling global use.
Models Available HPA2602 HPA4602
Power 70.7V 2 x 1300W 2 x 2100W
Power 8Ω 2 x 800W 2 x 1200W
Power 4Ω 2 x 1300W 2 x 2100W
Power 2Ω 2 x 1800W 2 x 2500W
Power 8Ω Bridged 1 x 2500W 1 x 3200W
Power 4Ω Bridged 1 x 3200W 1 x 4800W
All the details are here. Leave a Comment
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Hitachi Debuts CP-TW2505 and CP-TW3005 LCD ProjectorsHitachi today introduced its CP-TW2505 and CP-TW3005 LCD interactive projectors — both with 10,000:1 contrast ratio and aimed at K-12, higher education and corporate users. The Interactive Pen and multiple pen capability allow the use of interactive pens (two are supplied) to write, draw, point, navigate and more. In addition, an available FT-01 Finger Touch Module enables finger-touch interactivity.
The CP-TW2505 and CP-TW3005 ultra-short-throw lens enables it to project images up to 100 inches diagonal from a compact design that fits easily onto a tabletop or can also be wall-mounted. The 3LCD projectors offer WXGA 1280×800 resolution with a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, up to 10,000 hour lamp life (Eco-2 mode) and 2,700 ANSI lumens brightness (CP-TW2505) or 3,300 ANSI lumens brightness with up to 6,000 hour lamp life in Eco-2 mode (CP-TW3005). Both now include an embedded CPU for improved processing time for interactive functions. Hitachi’s Accentualizer technology delivers high-resolution images with vivid colors and bold, crisp text and graphics and the exclusive High Dynamic Contrast Range (HDCR) setting yields clear images even in bright rooms.
Each Hitachi interactive projector comes with Hitachi’s world-class interactive StarBoard Software, the new standard in collaboration, information sharing and dynamic interactive presentation software. With a customizable interface and toolbar, StarBoard streamlines your workflow and improves production. Hitachi bundles this as a standard feature with each interactive projector, there is no yearly subscription fee. Additionally, Hitachi interactive projectors are compatible with other top interactive software.
Content can be delivered via a wired or wireless connection (using an optional available wireless adapter) from a computer, USB stick, A/V source or even a smartphone or mobile device — Hitachi’s Projector Quick Connection app offers full projector control and lets the CP-TW2505 and CP-TW3005 display photos, document files and websites from iPad, iPhone and Android devices.
The projector’s A/V connections include two HDMI inputs, a computer video in and video in/monitor out port, a composite video input and audio inputs and outputs. Its RJ-45 port facilitates networking capability and enables the CP-TW2505 and CP-TW3005 to be remotely controlled via LAN. USB Type A and USB Type B ports, a microphone input and an RS232C control port are also provided.
The numerous performance and convenience functions include Powered Focus and Perfect Fit 2 digital image correction to automatically optimize image quality, a Template function that makes writing on a whiteboard much easier, built-in speakers with a 16-watt audio output and much more. An optional tabletop stand allows the CP-TW2505 and CP-TW3005 to project images directly onto a tabletop, making it ideal for small-group presentations or in rooms with limited space. The projector’s ImageCare technology and Intelligent Eco and Saver modes automatically control the brightness of the lamp according to the brightness level of the screen and other factors, yielding maximum energy savings.
Here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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FreeAxez Unveils New Gridd and Gridd Power SystemsFreeAxez has announced the latest versions of Gridd and Gridd Power. Gridd is a UL-listed, modular, all-steel, adaptive cabling distribution system that safely distributes cables throughout a building directly beneath the finished floor, providing easy access to a facility’s cables and wiring. Gridd Power is a 50 amp electrical bus track system that allows devices and furniture to easily connect to electricity in the Gridd system.
According to FreeAxez, Gridd is a safer and more flexible solution, negating the need to access wiring in awkward or inaccessible spaces. It significantly reduces the time, hassle and costs associated with traditional wiring methods. Installation takes less than half the time of a post and panel raised floor, leading to significant savings in labor costs. The Gridd system can be repositioned, redeployed, reused or recycled in its original state, in any building. FreeAxez offers clients hands on support throughout every phase of the project, including lifetime support of every building that its Gridd system is employed.
Gridd is 100 percent made in the USA with locally harvested raw material and US manufactured steel. The product is Greenspec listed and can contribute to LEED credits in five categories, including building reuse, construction waste management, materials reuse, recycled content and regional materials.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Smart-e Debuts New Nine Input SwitcherUK-based Smart-e has unveiled a new multi-format nine input presentation switcher (SDS-7000) that’s capable of managing digital and analog signals as two if the inputs include three HDMI, one HDBaseT, two RGBHV (VGA), one DisplayPort, one composite and one component. The two outputs (simultaneous) are HDBaseT and HDMI.
An internal image processor provides video switching and scaling up to WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution signals. Each source can also have a either stereo audio input which can be converted into embedded digital audio and sent out via an internal stereo power amplifier.
The 1U 19-inch, rackmount chassis includes RS232, IP, IR and front panel control. Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Intros Edge Mount Enclosure for AV, Data and PowerExtron’s new AVEdge 100 is a cable access enclosure designed to mount onto the edge of a tabletop surface in semi-permanent installations where cutting the surface is available. An integrated clamp system secures the enclosure to the tabletop surface without the need for tools or additional parts. The AVEdge 100 accommodates two double-space Architectural Adapter Plates — AAPs, Cable Pass-Through Brackets for up to eight AV cables, or three Retractor cable retraction modules.
AAP power modules are available to provide USB and/or AC power for mobile devices and laptops. The optional CableCover is available to minimize cable tangles and accidental disconnects, and the Extron ZipClip Series is available to mount products, such as the PS Series Desktop Power Supply, directly to the enclosure. The AVEdge 100 is available in a black powder coat finish.
All the specs on the AVEdge 100 are here. Leave a Comment
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Audio Video Furniture’s Mobile Display Stand Designed Accommodates SMART kapp 84
You know how most monitor stands and carts that have wheels have casters? Then you also know that casters don’t perform well on carpets. Well, AVFI’s SYZ84 is a mobile stand with modern ball-bearing wheels that allow this unit to be rolled on any surface. This matters as the old-fashioned caster-way is dangerous and just isn’t built to push them safely because of the weight (and ultimate center-of-gravity) of most displays.
Some great design features include the column has grommets both on the top and bottom for passing cables inside the unit, The base is built of steel rather than aluminum so that the center-of-gravity is low to the floor, the monitor bracket that attaches to the column cane be moved to accommodate varying heights for different applications and it has the same accessible base design (that many of the AVFI products have) to allow access to the monitor without tripping over support legs. And, this product was specifically designed to accommodate the SMART kapp84 capture board (model SYZ84-K) as well as 40″ – 65″ displays including SMART kapp IQ 55″ and 65″ capture board (model SYZ84-S) and 70″ – 80″ displays (model SYZ84-XL).
This SYZ84 is available in white or black metal in two configurations, SYZ84-K (white only) and SYZ84-S/XL (white or black). The entire stand is 68” high, 22” deep and 44” wide. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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BenQ Adds Two New M6 Projector Models for Small Corporate SolutionsBenQ America has added two new models to its M6 Series of projectors. The MX631ST and MW632ST short-throw projectors are specified at 3,200 lumens of brightness with 13,000:1 contrast ratio. Standard features include SmartEco power-saving technology, auto keystone setup tools, expanded connectivity options and the ability to fill up to a 100-inch screen at a mere six feet away.
Other features include:
- Dual HDMI slots
- MHL technology allows content streaming of compatible mobile devices directly to the projector
- Integrated 10-watt speaker
- 1.2x zoom and auto keystone capabilities
- XGA (MX631ST) or WXGA resolution (MW632ST)
BenQ’s SmartEco technology reduces the the total cost of ownership of the M6 Series with a lamp life of up to 10,000 hours and no filters to clean or replace. By setting projectors to “Smart Eco” mode, the units automatically adjust lamp power by up to 70 percent in order to use just the right amount of brightness. To further reduce power consumption, an “Eco Blank” mode allows users to blank out the screen whenever projection isn’t required, while a “No Source Detected” mode automatically lowers brightness to 30 percent when no display has been detected for more than three minutes. After 20 minutes of inactivity, the projectors automatically shut down to save power. For total energy efficiency, a “Standby” mode allows the projectors to lower power usage to less than 0.5W during periods of inactivity.
More information on the M6 Series is here and here. Leave a Comment
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Community Introduces BalancePoint Flyware for I Series LoudspeakersCommunity Speakers has introduced the BalancePoint Flyware, a new flying hardware system for the I SERIES of arrayable loudspeakers with matching-height subwoofers. BalancePoint Flyware allows systems designers to create planar or isometric arrays and add rear, top or steered subwoofers. Individual loudspeakers can be precisely aimed and arrays can be quickly assembled in the shop or on-site. BalancePoint Flyware complements the appearance of I SERIES loudspeakers in black or white with a low-profile design that hugs the ceiling and eliminates unsightly aircraft cables.
For more information on BalancePoint Flyware, click here [PDF]. For more information on the I SERIES, go here. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Ships Three 4K SwitchersCrestron is shipping three new 4K/60 HDMI switchers that they say are aimed for use in meeting rooms and classrooms. Labeled in their own release for “budget sensitive projects,” the HD-MD4x1-4K-E, HD-MD4x2-4K-E, and HD-MD6x2-4K-E each are spec’d for signals up to 4K/60 and include their DigitalMedia EDID management, native Crestron control via Ethernet, and a built-in Web server for configuration.
Each switcher is basically identical except for the number of inputs and outputs. The 4×1 4K HDMI source switcher (HD-MD4X1-4K-E) includes four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output. The 4×2 4K HDMI matrix switcher (HD-MD4X2-4K-E) provides four HDMI inputs and two independent HDMI outputs, and the 6×2 4K HDMI Switcher (HD-MD6X2-4K-E) has six HDMI inputs and two independent HDMI outputs. All three models are specified to switch HD at 1080p, Ultra HD, 2K and 4K and provide support for HDCP, 3D, Deep Color and 7.1 audio.
All three switchers feature thumbpad control and an OLED display for control and source selection and setup is done using the front panel OLED display or a Web browser. Crestron says that no programming, tools or PC is required for installation.
The one-inch deep HD-MD4X1-4K-E and HD-MD4X2-4K-E are designed to be mounted to a wall or other surface in the room or they can fit behind a flat panel display or under a table. They can also be placed on a rack shelf, or attached to a single rack rail. The HD-MD6X2-4K-E is housed in a compact 1 RU rack mount chassis.
Here’s more information. Leave a Comment
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Sharp Ships 80″ AQUOS BoardThe new Sharp 80″ Class (80″ diagonal) PN-L803C AQUOS BOARD interactive display system is marketed as Sharp’s answer to collaboration. It features 10-point capacitive multi-touch, edge-to-edge glass and an intuitive interface that does feel like you are writing on a conventional whiteboard. In addition, up to four people can write onscreen at the same time, so it’s aimed at both classrooms and meeting rooms.
Features include:
- Uses Sharp’s original capacitive touch technology
- A new touch-operated onscreen user interface
- Supports installation of a Web camera in any one of seven positions
- Touch Display Link 2.0 (TDL)
- Multi-board mode: Up to three PN-L803C display units can be connected and used to display sequential pages that can be navigated by swiping side to side
- Touch-operated on-screen display
- Front-facing USB port
Here are all the detailed specs [PDF]. Leave a Comment
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Extron Takes Aim at Vaddio and ClearOne With New MediaPort 200 AV to USB BoxExtron is launching into a completely new market category with their new MediaPort 200, an HDMI (and audio) to USB bridge for integrating pro AV sources or systems with software codec conferencing applications. The cool thing about this product is it will give integrators a way to make money integrating consumer videoconferencing products and apps (e.g., Skype, Skype for business, Microsoft Lync, etc.) into ProAV systems.
The MediaPort 200 works seamlessly with a computers using generic USB video and audio drivers and it features an HDMI input (with HDCP-compliant loop through) and accepts signals up to 1920 x 1200, and scales video to a USB 2.0 output. Audio features include program and mic inputs, HDMI audio de-embedding, and USB bidirectional audio, plus AEC reference and line level outputs. The MediaPort 200 also includes DSP with EQ, filters, mixing, dynamics, and ducking. This allows the MediaPort 200 to serve as a complete soft codec bridge, with the added flexibility of integrating into larger hardware codec or DSP systems. The MediaPort 200 enables versatile integration of conferencing PCs into pro AV system designs.
As we all know, customers have been asking, for years, to integrate consumer VTC applications into ProAV systems and there’s been very little incentive to do that as the margins to do it were slim and, in most cases, it was just set as an input to the system. But, with the MediaPort 200, there’s margin and you can actually increase the quality of the video (as it includes Extron’s scaling engine) and audio (as it also has their DSP).
The MediaPort 200 puts the power (and decision making ability) into the hands of the integrator to specify alternative higher-end web-cameras and mics by adding support for professional-grade equipment such as videoconferencing PTZ cameras, boundary microphones, and sound reinforcement systems. In boardrooms and large conference rooms, the MediaPort 200 easily integrates a conferencing PC into a fully equipped AV system with a hardware codec, video distribution and processing, control, DSP, microphones and full sound reinforcement.
Extron says to ensure an HDMI source is presented with the highest possible image quality to a soft codec, the MediaPort 200 incorporates Extron patented video processing technology (scaling), specifically engineered for high performance image scaling and frame rate conversion that preserves detail and legibility of source content. The DSP in the MediaPort 200 is ideal for optimizing mic and program source signals, as well as outgoing signals bound for the PC, sound reinforcement systems, or outboard DSPs. The MediaPort 200 can also deliver far-end audio as a dedicated AEC reference output to an AEC-equipped DSP, to provide distributed AEC processing for several microphones.
Inputs incude HDMI, line audio and mic audio so you can simultaneously connect audio from the video source as well as a room mic for voice-over in VTC applications — this is an example of a feature that is integrator-friendly that allows the dealer to make money upgrading the integration of the system from using an off-the-shelf USB web-cam. It’s housed in a 1U, half-rack enclosure and includes I/O ports for mic tally and status for audio group conferencing applications.
Here are all the technical specs on the $3,390 MediaPort 200. Leave a Comment
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Almo Professional A/V Takes E4 AV Tour To Houston and New York This FallAlmo Professional A/V announced it is taking its “Fully Charged” E4 AV Tour to Houston for the first time on September 11 and to the New York Metro area on October 8. In addition to the same refreshing training, electrifying new products and powerful networking opportunities that bring local resellers, integrators and consultants to the E4 events, the fall tour is launching two new hands-on “E4 Experience” workshops focusing on Digital Signage Content & Distribution and BYOD & Collaboration. Almo’s high-demand HDBaseT Installer Expert Certification training is also making a return this fall.
“We spent a lot of time pouring over the E4 spring surveys and learned that attendees want as much hands-on time as possible with new products and software so they can leave the event with actual experience using the latest equipment,” said Melody Craigmyle, vice president of marketing for Almo Professional A/V. “The E4 Experience workshops will each run five times throughout the day and are led by our Business Development Managers. E4 Experience provides a more personalized experience in a small group environment, allowing attendees to make the most of the time they spend at E4.”
The E4 Experience is being held in two workshop-style rooms that each hold a maximum of 10 people per session. The sessions will focus on the following:
- Experience #1: Digital Signage Content & Distribution. During this workshop, attendees will learn how to create their own custom piece of digital signage content using Brightsign’s BrightAuthor software and then publish it via a network-connected BrightSign player.
- Experience #2: BYOD & Collaboration. Bring your own device to this workshop and take the BYOD trend to a whole new level. Attendees will learn how to easily share content in a huddle room and a host of other ways to extend AV to smart devices. They will download apps on personal devices to interact with Barco Clickshare, Kramer Via Collage, Samsung displays and other BYOD solutions.
To learn more about the E4 Experience, click here.
The fall E4 events kick-off with a critically important keynote address by Gary Kayye of rAVe [Publications] called “Being Smart About Smart Buildings.” He discusses the essential practice of pre-engineering AV into every room in new construction and how to become a preferred provider to the architect and facility manager community.
Another highlight is the return of the 90-minute technical HDBaseT Installer Expert Program, which is designed for those who would like to learn more about HDBaseT technology, regardless of whether they are beginner or expert installers.
The complete line-up of E4 fall sessions include:
Business Track
- Keynote: Being Smart About Smart Buildings. Gary Kayye, rAVe Publications (1.5 CTS RUs)
- NEW! Working with Third Party Services to Increase Your Sales. Tom Stimson (TBA CTS RU)
- Successful Project Management for AV Design & Installation. InfoComm (1 CTS RU)
- NEW! Encouraging Interaction in the World of “Me”: Using Interactive LCDs for Productivity. Gary Kayye (1 CTS RU)
Technical Track
- NEW! The E4 Experience: Digital Signage Workshop (TBA CTS RU)
- NEW! The E4 Experience BYOD & Collaboration Workshop (TBA CTS RU)
- HDBaseT Installer Expert Program. HDBaseT Alliance (1.5 CTS RUs and Expert Installer Certificate)
- Videowalls: A Start to Finish Guide for Success. NEC (.5 CTS RU)
- Emerging Technologies that Will Change the Future of AV. C2G (1 CTS RU)
- What’s That Noise? InfoComm (1 CTS RU)
- IP Signal Distribution – An Introduction and Comparison of Dante, AVB and Cobranet Protocols. Rob Ziv,
- Business Development Manager, Almo Pro A/V (1 CTS RU)
To get all the details or to register, go here.
If you want to see videos rAVe NOW shot at past E4 events, go here. Leave a Comment
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New AmpliVox Mity-Lite PA Uses Rechargeable Lithium-Ion BatteryAmpliVox Sound Systems launched the SW300 Mity-Lite PA system, a compact PA that’s designed for rooms up to 1,500 square feet and audiences of up to 350. Weighing only 6.5 pounds, the Mity-Lite can be placed on a tripod or simply worn on a shoulder strap and outputs 35W sound while running on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for up to ten hours of use time.
The Mity-Lite PA features a built-in 16 channel wireless frequency receiver with 16 user-selectable channels connecting to a wireless handheld mic, a Bluetooth module allows for wireless music streaming and includes a line-in for CD or mp3 players and other audio sources and a line-out for mic inputs. The entire unit is housed in a plastic enclosure that can attach to a shoulder strap.
For wireless applications, the Mity-Lite includes a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery that lasts up to ten hours. AmpliVox says the battery recharges in under five hours, and can be recharged while the system is in use with an AC power source.
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Extron Debuts Industry’s First Conferencing, Collaboration and Control Interface Extron’s new CCI Pro 700 is marketed as the industry’s first control system user interface optimized for conferencing, collaboration and AV control.
Right off the bat, when you look at the CCI Pro 700, you see it’s different than any other control system on the market. In fact, it reminds us of a speakerphone — and, in a way, it is because when you pair it with Extron’s MP 200 introduced yesterday, it becomes a controller and phone interface for a Skype, Skype for Business, Microsoft Lync, Skype, WebEx call and it’s integrated with a Pro Series touch panel to control the entire room.
The CCI Pro 700 supports many of the functions needed in a conferencing environment, while providing a room control user interface. The design includes a 3.5” color information display, a numeric keypad and backlit buttons. The information display may be used to show contact information, call directories, and call status — in fact, it allows you to import your contacts from any of the cloud-codec systems like Skype, Lync and WebEx. Buttons directly below the display may be used to navigate custom lists and menus. The information display is customized using GUI Designer, and all buttons can be configured and customized using Global Configurator Plus and Pro and Custom Button Builder. This flexible design affords countless conferencing and control possibilities.
The CCI Pro 700 is configured using Extron Global Configurator Plus or Global Configurator Professional software and works in conjunction with any Extron IP Link Pro control processor. The CCI Pro 700 operates using standard network infrastructure and is easy to install as the only connection required is Ethernet as it includes PoE (Power over Ethernet). Extron told rAVe it will ship in October. The link on Extron’s website with all the specs will be here, but won’t be activate until August 3. Leave a Comment
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Aviom Intros Three New Personal MixersAviom has launched three complete personal mixing system packages, the Mix320-A Personal Mixing System, the Mix320-Y Personal Mixing System, and the Mix320-D Personal Mixing System. All three packages are available immediately, and will be sold in the US only.
Each system is built around the A320 Personal Mixer, Aviom’s most affordable Personal Mixer to date. Designed to accommodate six users live on stage or in the recording studio, each system comes complete with everything required to connect and configure the products, including mic stand mounts and Cat-5 cables.
The Mix320-A Personal Mixing System features the analog AN-16/i v.2 Input Module with 16 TRS balanced inputs as the front end of the system. The AN-16/i v.2 connects to a D400 A-Net® Distributor with supplies digital data and DC power to its eight A-Net ports. Six A320 Personal Mixers, six MT-1a Mic Stand Mounts, and seven 25-foot Cat-5 cable round out the package.
Created for users of Yamaha digital mixing consoles, the Mix320-Y Personal Mixing System includes a Y1 A-Net card to get digital audio from the mixing console into the Aviom system. The Y1 card’s A-Net output connects to a D400 A-Net Distributor, and from there Cat-5 cables connect the six A320 Personal Mixers. Mic stand mounts and Cat-5 cables are included in this system as well.
The Mix320-D Personal Mixing System has been designed specifically for use with Dante enabled consoles and audio networks. The Mix320-D includes a D400-Dante A-Net Distributor that allows up to 32 channels to be patched from the Dante network to the personal mixing system inputs.
No input device is required; simply connect the Dante network to the D400-Dante. The D400-Dante is also used to supply A-Net digital data and DC power to the personal mixers. The system includes six A320 Personal Mixers for the performers, six MT-1a Mic Stand Mounts for attaching the A320 mixers to mic stands, plus all the Cat-5e cables needed to connect the products.
Here are all the options. Leave a Comment
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Wolf Cinema Enters ProAV Market with Seven New ProjectorsWolf Cinema, a company known for high-end residential projectors, has announced an entirely new division focusing on projector for the ProAV market of business, prosumer, education and commercial environments. Starting at just $2,995 list, these seven new Wolf Cinema PRO projectors include multiple primary lens options, ample image offsets plus advanced integration capabilities with automation and control systems.
Wolf Cinema’s PRO line is spec’d to start at 4,000 ANSI lumens and extend up to 12,000 ANSI lumens, using both DLP and LCD imaging technologies. Many solutions offer multiple primary lens options, with precise lens shift and ample H/V keystone correction. Also carried over from Wolf Cinema’s home theater assortment, the company’s ProScaler MK III is available as an optional rack-mounted video processor — a useful complement when firing onto 2.35:1 CinemaScope screens, using our popular E-VariScope imaging technology.
Wolf Cinema’s PRO business and commercial projection line-up includes:
- PRO-85 – DLP Projector, 4,000 ANSI, Ultra Short Throw 2D/3D projector [0.25:1 optical throw]
- PRO-115 – DLP Projector, 4,200 ANSI, 2D/3D projector, Ultra Short [0.5:1 TD] and Extended Throw [1.39 – 2.09:1 TD] Lens Options
- PRO-415 – DLP Projector, 5,000 ANSI, 2D/3D, Five Lens Options [0.77:1 to 5.0:1 optical throw]
- PRO-715 – 3LCD Projector, 5,000 ANSI, Five Lens Options [0.8:1 to 8.3:1 optical throw]
- PRO-915 – DLP Dual Lamp Projector, 7,500 ANSI, 2D/3D, Seven Lens Options [0.77:1 to 8.25:1 optical throw]
- PRO-1215 – DLP Laser-Phosphor Illumination System, 5,000 ANSI, Four Lens Options [0.95:1 to 5.45:1 optical throw]
- PRO-1515 – DLP Dual Lamp Projector, 12,000 ANSI, Five Lens Options [0.85:1 to 4.0:1 optical throw]
The new PRO product line of projectors is available starting in August 2015 and will be priced between $2,995 and $34,995. All the detailed specs are here. Leave a Comment
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