Volume 8, Issue 8 — August 15, 2017
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Aeiforia Technos
- “Glowing” Footprints
Raymond Kent : Director of the Innovative Technology Design Group, DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky Editorial Editorial
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“Glowing” Footprints
By Raymond Kent Director of the Innovative Technology Design Group, DLR Group/Westlake Reed Leskosky
Do your ICT products have good chemistry? Do you even have any idea what chemicals may be in your products and how it may affect the environment you install them into? Do you know if the manufacturer you purchased or specified are being environmentally responsible when it comes to chemicals in the manufacturing process? Chemical footprinting is on the rise globally for manufactured goods and is reaching mainstream proportions alongside greenhouse gas emission and energy use to gauge the financial and health implications of products as the implications of chemical mismanagement are becoming better known and understood.
By now most people in the ICT industry who manufacture, specify and install ICT equipment into either residential or commercial space are familiar with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance through the European Union Directive 2002/95/EC restricting specific hazardous substances and materials found in electrical and electronic equipment. This directive originally removed six known hazardous materials in 2002 from the electronics and electrical industry known to cause health and environmental problems. Another four materials were added in recently in 2015 and mandated to carry a RoHS compliant sticker on every consumer electronics product sold throughout Europe in 2011. Additionally, the Electronic Equipment WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC mandated treatment, recovery, and recycling of electronic and electric equipment throughout Europe. So this makes everything OK, right? Not quite.
RoHS and WEEE show up in most major markets simply as a matter of economics and efficiency. If a product meets the strictest standards then it should carry through to other markets and may even provide a selling point into those markets as a benefit where restrictions and regulations are not so tight. This is like the car industry in the U.S. that bend to the California environmental automobile restrictions including allowable tailpipe emissions and miles per gallon minimums being the toughest in the United States. Detroit and other manufacturers certainly don’t want to lose out of a market worth one-sixth of the U.S. economy and rather than have to retool a factory based on where a car might ship to sell it is more cost effective to just comply with the tougher standards and sell it everywhere.
We have all pretty much gotten accustomed to this — except one problem. Our environmental needs have changed and simply staying the status quo won’t cut it. With climate change being on the 24-hour news cycle almost every day and politicians sparring over what is “fake news” and actual real honest-to-goodness science, companies are quietly moving towards a holistic approach to sustainability goals. The Paris Climate Agreement really brought this to the forefront of the general population’s table-talk especially with the controversial move of the current US administration declaring a pull out and seemingly trying to reverse every environmental policy put in place over the last 45 years all to score political points.
Fortunately, market leaders and lower level politicians alike have stepped up to continue to improve the environment despite the headlines. With good reason – voters and shareholders are increasingly demanding it. Introducing the Chemical Footprint Project (CFP). This project joins investors, government and non-government agencies and organizations, the healthcare industry, manufacturers, and others working together to support the global Sustainable development Goals initiative. This initiative highlights the significance of the reduction and management of chemicals in the manufacturing process, supply chain, and the products themselves.
This is no small shakes either with over $2.3 trillion in assets held by the investors and $600 Billion in purchasing power from product purchasers, Wal-Mart being the newest (and biggest) kid on the block to be involved. This consortium is making their data publicly available for benchmarking and analysis allowing others the opportunity to improve and hold their supply chains accountable.
Data points include:
- The policies and management strategies for effective chemical management
- A complete inventory of chemicals used in the entire life-cycle of the product from raw materials through end point to the end-user
- Tracking of chemical footprints and progress related to safer alternatives
- Sharing of information and posting of scorecards for the investors, shareholders and public to review
This process extends beyond the ICT world and is inclusive of small national brands to large multi-nationals in industries such as toys, apparel, building products, medical devices, packaging and many others (including ICT). The upshot to this is different industries can learn from each other in strategy, implementation and calculation of metrics.
For instance, 40 percent of the 2016 respondents identified Chemicals of High Concern (CoHC) by quantity while others used mass of chemicals as a metric. For instance, manufacturers that make formulary liquid-based products such as cleaners can use mass as a metric where as those who make tangible goods can use the numerical counting methods. Sharing these methods allow different product categories to consistently be defined and the data shared without marketing slant. This new metric of Quantitative Chemical Footprinting is helping companies meet their goals in sustainability reporting to shareholders and customers. Small companies can learn from larger companies, better ways to manage as they scale up and large companies can in turn learn from nimbler smaller company’s ways to be more cost effective in the reduction of chemical management.
We saw this happen with the rollout of RoHS and WEEE in the EU which puts the ICT industry in a positive position for incorporating additional chemical control strategies. As specifiers, installers, and ultimately, end users this information allows for a better understanding of what is going into a space and how it impacts the environment in a (hopefully) positive way. Leave a Comment
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AV Should Enable Work Preferences, Not Define Them
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
On July 25th, the Wall Street Journal published an article called “The Boss Wants You Back in the Office” (subscription required to view article). The article detailed how IBM, once a national leader in the work from home movement, is moving back to having people report to an office for work. In the July edition of Commercial Integrator, Tom LeBlanc, the publication’s editor, wrote an article titled “I’m Angry at IBM.” In it he argued that “the premise that employees need to be together in an office to collaborate is antiquated.” Tom continued in the article to write about how technological changes have made remote collaboration equal to in person.
I have issues with Tom’s article. First, I disagree with the premise that in-person collaboration is antiquated. As a manager and leader, there is no question that meeting in person with your co-workers is more productive than remote collaboration. It provides you time to get to know each other on a personal level, allows you to read body language better and, in my opinion, allows you to deal with conflict more directly. No doubt there are times when in person is not possible and remote collaboration is needed. In those cases, I think the technology is a great tool.
My bigger issues with the article however strikes at a pet peeve of mine. In Tom’s article he makes it clear that part of his frustration with the “back to office movement” is that it will potentially slow down the sales of collaboration equipment. I do not like it when technical people (usually salesmen) try to sell you products based on how they perceive you should be doing work. As I read his article, I was frustrated at the premise of anyone deciding how others should be working. I see similar approaches at conferences. Every conference I go to, I hear a presentation from a sales person telling the audience about how “good” instructors don’t teach the “boring, old fashioned way.” They go on to reference studies their companies have done to prove how much better learning will be with their product. What they don’t realize is that instructors and administrators don’t want to be told by a person who has never done their job how to do their job. Yes, there are a lot of great technologies that enable and enhance instruction and learning. However, they should be presented in a way that says “here is what you CAN do” rather than “here is what you SHOULD do.”
The same is true with workspaces. As technology integrators, we should be providing solutions that solve customers problems. We should not be telling them how they should be doing their work, and then try to sell them technology that fits our dictated work style. When integrators do this, they are actually doing themselves a disservice. Customers who lose trust in you if you continue to sell them things that they don’t actually use.
Conversations with customers should always start with “tell me about what you are trying to do,” not “let me tell you about this new technology.” You will sell more immediately, and you will sell more in the future. Leave a Comment
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The Microsoft Surface Hub Is in Big Trouble
By Gary Kayye rAVe Founder
A few months back, I wrote a column: Will Microsoft Be Able to Continue to Rip People Off With Their Surface HUB?
Most of you agreed; some didn’t.
And now, four months after writing that piece, I still think it’s way, way, way overpriced for what you get.
But on the same week that Whitlock recently awarded Microsoft’s Surface Hub Partner of the Year, Microsoft announced the Surface Hub group was basically being disbanded and manufacturing moved to China. It looks like Microsoft figured out what we all already knew — it’s way too expensive.
So, they’re moving production to China and expect the next generation to be closer in price to the new Google Jamboard. Oh, and it’ll likely look a lot nicer, too.
But is it too little, too late?
The market for the collaboration board, as I like to call them, is now flooded with companies. I count 23.
And the latest contenders with quality competition to the Surface Hub, products like the NewLine TRUTOUCH VN Series, the Cisco Spark Board and the Jamboard itself are good. I mean really good. Each for different customers, though.
The Cisco Spark Board is a SLAM DUNK success. Anyone on the Spark platform would be nuts not to buy them and put them all over their business. Not just rooms, either. I mean literally all over.
The Jamboard is, well, Google. What better branding does it need? And the G Suite-integrated collaboration board is a perfect plug-and-play product for anyone who thinks all the collaboration they really need is Google Docs. That’s a lot of businesses and schools.
NewLine’s latest, the VN Series, is 4K, finally has a nice aesthetic and an OS on top of the Windows 10 interface that’s better than Windows.
But Microsoft is still a giant operating system. And, like Google, a lot of people still use and need simple collaborative applications. And, what’s built into Microsoft Windows 10 is enough for them.
That’s why Whitlock sells so many. But that was all prior to March 2017. Now, instead of having only three or four competitive products shipping selling against the Surface Hub, there are almost two dozen. And all but one of them is cheaper than the same-size version of the Microsoft-branded collaboration board line. And some are even better — take the latest version of the InFocus Mondopad, for example. InFocus, although a small company, has actually done a better job integrating the Microsoft OS than Microsoft itself.
For now, I’d advise Whitlock to find a good, solid second-source supplier of collaboration boards. That goes for you too. There are so many to choose from now! And it’s about the be a multi-billion-dollar market. Leave a Comment
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rAVe’s InfoComm Wrap-Up Video Debuts!It’s here! You’ve been asking for it and we’ve released it today.
Each year, we produce a wrap-up video to give you a glimpse of the InfoComm 2017 show. Are you in it? Is your company highlighted?
Check It! Watch here. Leave a Comment
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Optoma Debuts 4000 Lumen Education and Meeting Room ProjectorsOptoma today announced three new projectors designed for large classroom, corporate meeting room and training lab settings. The Optoma EH400+, W400+ and X400+ all feature a spec of 4,000 lumens and 22,000:1 contrast ratio and are integrated with Wall Color Adjustment Allowing you to adjust the projected image to accommodate different color walls — so you don’t have to use a screen. With a 1.3x zoom, the new line of proAV projectors are designed for installation. Inputs include two HDMI ports, VGA-in, composite video, USB power and content for legacy sources. A VGA Wireless Dongle and HDCast Pro are optional for wireless streaming and mirroring. All of them are single-chip DLP projectors.
The EH400+ is a native 1080p projector (1920×1080) and lists for $799. The W400+ is a WXGA projector (1280×800) and is $699. And, the X400+ is an XGA projector (1024×768) for $599. Here are links to more detailed specs for the EH400+, W400+ and X400+ Leave a Comment
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Larson Intros Low-Profile LED CanopyLarson Electronics announced the release of a new low profile LED canopy light (LEDCPL-LP-500-MS-WCM). This quick mount LED features a compact microwave motion/occupancy sensor.
This low profile LED canopy light assembly consists of an integrated LED assembly paired with a polycarbonate lens to produce a wide light distribution suitable for replacing 250 watt metal halide flood lights. This quick mount canopy also features a two-piece housing that is constructed of die-cast aluminum alloy with an injected molded rubber gasket resembling that of traditional style canopy light fixtures. This housing allows for quick installation and future servicing, and the aluminum design helps with heat dissipation and increases LED longevity. This LED has been specifically designed to withstand demanding conditions and is IP65 waterproof for protection against rigorous outdoor environments. A microwave motion/occupancy sensor is available for automating operation and reducing energy consumption during periods of low activity. This fixture can be used indoors or outdoors, as well as in confined spaces without heat buildup.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Osprey Video Announces Talon G2 Encoder to Stream to Up to Three Destinations SimultaneouslyOsprey Video today announced an extension of its Talon hardware encoder line with the launch of the Talon G2. Like other Talon encoders, the Talon G2 creates live RTMP streams for unmanaged networks such as the internet.
Designed for A/V and broadcast customers looking for end-to-end video-streaming tools for professional workflows, the Talon G2 ingests video from multiple formats, encodes it to H.264 and delivers it over IP. One of the Talon G2’s most important characteristics is its front-facing LCD touch screen, which offers one-touch streaming control. Once the streaming profiles are set up on the back end, which can be done remotely if needed, any user can start or stop encoding operations at the touch of a button. Furthermore, the screen displays continuous feedback on the status of all encoders, so users always know which ones are active versus idle.
Another aspect of the Talon G2 is API-level integrations with both Facebook Live and the Wowza Streaming Cloud streaming service. These integrations, along with one-touch streaming control, bring simplicity and time savings to a process that could otherwise be very cumbersome. For example, streaming to Facebook is a daily practice for many operations, yet Facebook users must configure a new session every time they want to deliver a stream. Osprey Video worked with Facebook on an exclusive interface that makes it possible to configure the Talon G2 for Facebook streaming only once instead of daily. Once configured, users simply press a button. Furthermore, built-in security features make it so that authorized users can start streaming to anyone’s Facebook page (such as a company’s or an executive’s) without needing login credentials, saving even more time while alleviating security concerns over password-sharing.
The Talon G2 encoder ingests video from 3G HD-SDI, HDMI, and composite sources and streams it via RTMP, RTP, or UDP to multiple destinations over IP. Importantly, the Talon G2 can encode and stream to three destinations simultaneously and save to a .TS file, with frame alignment across all streams for multiple-bit-rate streaming.
The Talon G2 encoder is $1,890 and the Talon G1 is $1,690 – both are here. Leave a Comment
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InFocus Intros Affordable Jupiter 1000 4K Wall Processor InFocus Corporation today announces its Jupiter Control 1000 Series, an entry-level range of 4K (3840×2160) display wall processors. Designed for smaller installations, Control 1000 processors come fully pre-configured as stand-alone display wall processors with hardware that can decode up to eight IP streams and support up to 10 direct video connections. InFocus Jupiter Control 1000 processors can be used as a stand-alone solution driving a single video wall or integrated into a fully networked enterprise solution that is managed by the Canvas platform, enabling robust collaboration between video walls, operators, ancillary displays and even mobile devices.
The Jupiter Control 1000 Series processors ship with Windows 10 and will run Windows applications directly on the processor. Capable of ingesting video and other visual information from any IP encoded source, direct video connection, or Windows 10 ready application, the Control 1000 also ships with the InFocus Jupiter Canvas 5.3 collaborative visualization software. Canvas 5.3 manages sources including live streams from network cameras and mobile devices, application screens from PCs, and real-time data feeds. Users can view, share, and annotate on the live feeds with remote colleagues working on a range of different devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptop, and desktop PCs, or in conference rooms equipped with InFocus CRS-4K endpoints.
The latest 4K video processor in the Jupiter product line, the Control 1000 is capable of decoding up to five non-HDCP 4K signals. It supports input signals with a 4K DVI input card that leverages a DVI-D dual-link connector. The Control 1000 Series video processors also support up to four non-HDCP 4K outputs on a single CPU chassis. Each 4K display has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels per mini DisplayPort interface and onboard software decoding can decode any IP stream up to 4K HD resolution.
The InFocus Jupiter Control 1000 is available now. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Extron Intros New DTP CrossPoint 4K Series with Network Isolation for Enhanced Security Extron has added new security features to their DTP CrossPoint 4K Series matrix switchers in addition to more control flexibility and power. An integrated three-port AV LAN switch enables secure control of the AV devices connected to the local AV LAN, while isolating them from the corporate network. The built-in DHCP server automatically distributes IP addresses and network configuration parameters for these devices, which streamlines system setup and management. The new capabilities of the DTP CrossPoint 4K Series are in addition to the many integrator-friendly features provided to design and integrate today’s advanced AV systems in one box.
The DTP CrossPoint 4K Series presentation matrix switchers deliver all of the needed technologically advanced capabilities for a complete AV system solution. This includes a matrix switcher with 4K inputs and outputs, built-in independent scalers that are powered by Extron Vector 4K scaling technology and support seamless switching, integrated DTP and XTP signal extension, comprehensive audio DSP and AEC capabilities unmatched in the industry, a high-performance mono or stereo amplifier, and an advanced control processor that is uniquely expandable.
The DTP matrix’s inputs and outputs are all true 4K and each input has built-in independent scalers that are powered by Extron Vector 4K scaling technology and support glitch-free switching, integrated DTP and XTP signal extension, comprehensive audio DSP and AEC capabilities, a high performance mono or stereo amplifier and an advanced control processor that is expandable. In addition, the DTP CrossPoint 4K IPCP features a built-in Extron IP Link Pro control processor, with a secure, dedicated three-port AV LAN switch plus a standard Ethernet port to control local AV devices and safeguard them from outside intrusion or interference. The DTP CrossPoint 4K IPCP delivers high-speed processing and abundant control port capacity for complete, customizable control of an entire AV system, including all source devices and displays, plus lighting, window shades, projection screens, occupancy sensing, and more.
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New Quad Wireless Receiver from AmpliVox Controls Up to Four MicrophonesAmpliVox Sound Systems has introduced a new microphone receiver system to manage up to four wireless microphones from a rack-sized unit.
The S9190 Quad Wireless Microphone Receiver System can be rack mounted for permanent applications or the used for rental or traveling applications. The 2RU roto-molded chassis houses four independent receivers that can be used simultaneously, each with 16 UHF channels of selectivity, audio and RF indicators, volume control and a balanced XLR connector with summed output.
The S9190 systems pairs with AmpliVox’s S1695 Wireless Handheld Mic or S1693 Wireless Headset and Lapel Mic Kits. The Quad Receiver can also be paired with the AmpliVox SW915 Digital Audio Travel Partner PA to connect up to seven wireless mics at once.
The receiver offers a range of 300 feet and is aimed at schools, universities, restaurants, bars, hotel conference rooms, convention halls, corporate boardrooms, churches and more.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Lightware Launches UBEXLightware’s latest is UBEX (Ultra Bandwidth Extender), an AV-over-IP extender that’s capable of sending 4K UHD@60Hz 4:4:4 (12-bit color) signal extension with the use of packet-based transmission. The video signals are handled fully uncompressed and transmitted (or receive – keep reading) over 20 Gbps or using minimal, visually lossless compression. UBEX can extend two full 4K signals simultaneously over two 10 Gbps fibers.
Standard, certificated 10 Gbps SFP+ optical modules are installed in the device, which are plug and play so they are interchangeable by the user. There could be either duplex multi-mode/single-mode modules (one fiber for each direction per 10 Gbps link) or bi-directional single-mode modules (one fiber for both directions per 10 Gbps link). The number of I/O ports in a UBEX based virtual matrix only depends on the size of the standard Ethernet switch used in the network.
The unit is designed to work as transmitter, receiver or transceiver and the change between these modes can be implemented by a firmware update. In transceiver mode, the device can transmit and receive 4K signals simultaneously. Ubex supports operating in daisy chain mode, making it especially suitable for large digital signage projects.
Ubex is capable of working in a strictly unidirectional system with low and high security levels as a data diode, assuring that every kind of data traffic is restricted to flow exclusively in one direction, from the ‘low’ side towards the ‘high’ side and never reversed. The maximum reachable extension distance with multi-mode modules (OM4) is 400 miles, with short range single-mode modules it is 10 kilometers, or with long range single-mode modules it can reach as far as 80 kilometers. The number of necessary fibers depends on the link speed and the optical module: for 10 Gbps one or two fibers, for 20 Gbps two or four fibers, for 40 Gbps four or eight fibers are needed. UBEX can work both in a traditional point-to-point application structure and can also operate as a virtual matrix network by using of a standard Ethernet switch as a virtual crosspoint. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Intros DTP2 Series, the Next Generation of Extron DTP Technology Extron just introduced the new DTP2 Series, a family of twisted pair extenders with advanced performance and innovative features. The DTP2 Series accommodates the full 18 Gbps data rate of HDMI 2.0b and supports video signals at resolutions up to 4K/60 at 4:4:4 chroma sampling. These HDCP 2.2 compliant products can also be used for distribution of 4K HDR. The new series includes the DTP2 T 211 transmitter, DTP2 R 211 receiver, and the DTP2 T 212 switcher with integrated DTP2 transmitter, plus an independently assignable local HDMI output. The DTP2 Series is designed for distribution of HDMI and audio, as well as bidirectional RS232 and IR signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a shielded CATx cable. The compact enclosure sizes and remote power capability make the DTP2 Series ideal for discreet placement in lecterns, beneath tables, behind flat panel displays, or wherever needed to meet application requirements.
The DTP2 Series delivers reliable, long distance transmission of video, audio, and control signals. They support data rates up to 18 Gbps, Deep Color up to 12-bit, CEC pass-through and embedded HD lossless audio formats. In addition to supporting higher video data rates, DTP2 products offer new capabilities. The DTP2 T 212 switcher drives the DTP 2 and HDMI outputs simultaneously with the selected signal. To support local monitor applications, the HDMI output can be assigned to either of the HDMI inputs.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Plantronics Enters ProAV Market With Weirdest Product Ever — But It’s Profitable Plantronics today announced Habitat Soundscaping, an “intelligent acoustic management service” that helps transform distracting, dysfunctional, open office spaces into peaceful environments where people can focus, collaborate and thrive (think sound Masking using water and nature sounds instead of pink or white noise). The service uses nature-inspired audio and visuals, coupled with intelligent software to mitigate distractions due to speech -– the most common complaint employees have about their open workspaces. Habitat Soundscaping brings these natural elements into the workplace to create an immersive experience where people want to come to work and leaves them feeling energized.
Plantronics wants to sell this through the ProAV integration market.
The Habitat Soundscaping service incorporates biophilic science (a fancy term we had to look up), the innate tendency of humans to seek connections with nature, as an essential element of the solution. Studies show that workplaces with a connection to nature help improve mood, working memory and cognitive functioning. In fact, these studies concluded that workplaces with architectural elements that connect to nature have been proven to reduce worker absenteeism by 10 percent – creating the opportunity for significant productivity gains and a much happier workforce.
AVI-SPL is one of the channel partners working with Plantronics to offer this new service. There are others and at least one distributor.
Habitat Soundscaping is a completely new type of service that combines nature-inspired audio, immersive visuals and adaptive software to enable focused individual work and group collaboration to peacefully occur in the same open workplace. The service includes hardware and software and is comprised of the following three key pillars:
- Nature-inspired Audio – Intelligible speech is highly distracting for humans, who are hard-wired to pay attention to speech and fill in any missing pieces of conversation. Research has proven natural water sounds are the most effective means to reduce the impact of intelligible speech while also creating a comfortable, rejuvenating environment to work in. The Habitat Soundscaping service brings these natural water sounds to the open office creating a space that is highly functional and promotes overall wellbeing.
- Natural Scenes – The Habitat Soundscaping service uses a combination of natural audio and real waterfalls, or virtual displays of serene landscapes, to help reinvigorate the office. The visuals complement the nature-inspired audio to create a harmonious, multisensory experience. Research has also shown that bringing visual connections to nature into the office can improve cognitive functioning and mood of the people in that space.
- Intelligent Software – To reduce distraction, the service actively senses disruptive, intelligible speech and dynamically adjusts the natural sounds in the surrounding work zones in real time to help others stay focused without interrupting any collaboration. It even works at the subconscious level, acoustically incentivizing the right behavior, so that especially loud talkers are encouraged to keep their voices down. The system also automatically analyzes its performance to ensure it’s running optimally day-in and day- out.
The Habitat Soundscaping service is currently available in the U.S., the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and France.
Here’s more information. Here’s a video about Habitat SoundScaping. Leave a Comment
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Mackie Thump Series Gets Redesign and Expanded LineupMackie just launched the redesigned Thump SeriesPowered Loudspeakers – Thump12A, Thump15A, Thump12BST, Thump15BST and Thump18S. Mackie says the new 13000W Thump Series delivers more power and reliability and add features like built-in mixers, speaker modes and more. Totally new for the Thump Series are two Thump Boosted models, the 12″ Thump12BST and 15″ Thump15BST.
The Thump Series is equipped with custom-designed, high-output woofers and 1.4″ titanium dome compression drivers plus an ultra-efficient amplifier design with Dynamic Bass Response technology and next-generation system protection. So when you need maximum performance and chest-pounding bass, Thump loudspeakers will always have the power on tap that you need.
The 1300W Thump12A and Thump15A feature a built-in two-channel mixer equipped with Vita preamps and Wide-Z technology that can easily handle mics, instruments and line level signals without any additional equipment or adjustments. Plus, with four application-specific speaker modes, you can optimize the system for your needs at the push of a button.
The Thump12BST and Thump15BST models include wireless control, linking, and streaming. They include a built-in 3-channel digital mixer that features two digitally controlled Vita+ preamps with Wide-Z technology, three-band EQ per channel with variable high-pass filters on Vita+ inputs, and six speaker modes. For convenient control and visibility, the back panel features a crystal clear, high-resolution color display showing channel metering, levels, EQ, and more.
With Thump Boosted you can pair your Bluetooth enabled device to a Thump Boosted speaker and stream music directly to your Thump system. In addition to back panel control, Thump Boosted gives you complete wireless control over everything using the Thump Connect app available for iOS and Android devices. Quickly access levels, EQ, meters, and configuration.
Thump Boosted loudspeakers can wirelessly link directly to each other at up to 100 meters for music streaming applications plus give you wireless control over the entire system via the Thump Connect app.
The Mackie Thump Series includes the 12″ Thump12A, 15″ Thump15A, 12″ Thump12BST, 15″ Thump15BST, and the 18″ Thump18S and will be available beginning in September. Sold individually, the US MSRP pricing is $419.99 for the Thump12A, $489.99 for the Thump15A, $559.99 for the Thump12BST, $699.99 for the Thump15BST, and $879.99 for the Thump18S.
Here are all the details. Leave a Comment
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Extron Intros New Scaling Presentation SwitchersExtron Electronics is introducing the IN1608 xi, the newest members of the Extron scaling presentation switcher family that offer several key enhancements. Added features include DTP output with HDBaseT compatibility, RS232 insertion from the Ethernet control ports and for IPCP models, an integrated three-port AV LAN switch. The IN1608 xi includes an HDCP-compliant, multi-format video switcher, an advanced scaling engine, integrated DTP signal extension, an available high performance mono or stereo amplifier and an available built-in IPCP Pro control processor for complete AV system control. Extron says the IN1608 xi simplifies system design and installation, and dramatically reduces total cost of ownership.
The IN1608 xi provides the convenience of supporting local and remote displays. The two DTP twisted pair inputs are compatible with a wide range of DTP transmitters for extending audio, video, and control signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) over a shielded CATx cable. The IN1608 xi can also remotely power each of the DTP transmitters over the same CATx cable, streamlining system design and installation. In addition, the IN1608 xi features an advanced scaling engine that can scale HDMI, RGB, component, and standard definition video signals to a common high resolution output. It provides 30-bit color processing to deliver optimal image quality, as well as motion-adaptive deinterlacing for input signals up to 1080i. With Extron technologies EDID Minder, Key Minder, and SpeedSwitch, integrators can easily connect sources and displays with plug-and-play simplicity, automatic device negotiation, and nearly instantaneous switching.
The IN1608 xi can serve as the central component for audio system integration. It includes eight-input audio switching, two mic/line inputs, HDMI audio embedding and de-embedding, and several audio processing features for mixing, ducking, tone adjustments, and more. IN1608 xi SA models feature a two-channel 50-watt Class D stereo power amplifier, while IN1608 xi MA models include a 100-watt Class D mono power amplifier.
For more information on the IN1608 xi, click here. Leave a Comment
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Spectrum Introduces New Flex Active Table Spectrum Industries just launched the Flex Active Table. Designed with collaboration in mind, teachers can easily move these tables around to create the perfect working environment.
From active learning environments to meeting rooms, the Flex Active Table can meet the needs of any collaboration layout, while ADA compliant seating allows you to engage any user in any environment. The locking casters provide quick and easy room reconfiguration and storage capabilities. Tables are available in 48-, 60- and 72-inch wide versions, along with 24 or 30 depths to fit into any space. The optional Modesty Panel, available in coordinating laminate or metal finish, provides privacy and design appeal.
Multiple size options and the choice to add a power module and wire management kit help make this the perfect solution for any space. The Flex Active Table comes with a variety of quick power options. The Cove Power Module allows for a quick connect from each table. The Easy Power Connection allows each table to join, allowing only one final cord to plug in and power all tables.
The Flex Active Table has a scratch and impact-resistant high-pressure laminate work surface that is made to last while durable powder coated steel legs add strength and a contemporary look. A worksurface brace is incorporated into every table to minimize flexing over time.
The Flex Active Table can be ordered in our Spectrum Expressions line of laminate and metal colors which are designed to match our furniture to your room décor. The metal colors provide a tough, wear-resistant finish to metal parts. The laminates covers all work surfaces and the matching vinyl edge trim provides the appearance of elegant custom built furniture. The Flex Active Tables is also offered in a white dry erase laminate finish.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Key Digital Introduces Affordable Distribution Amplifiers With Support for UHD 4K60 4:4:4 SignalsKey Digital introduced today the KD-DA1x2, KD-DA1x4 and KD-DA1x8, three cost-effective distribution amplifiers that offer resolution support up to UHD 4K60 4:4:4. The KD-DA1x2, KD-DA1x4 and KD-DA1x8 provide one HDMI input to two, four or eight HDMI outputs, respectively. Key Digital says these distribution amplifiers were designed for a superior distribution system without signal degradation, offering the best in quality, performance and reliability while still remaining cost-effective
All three of these distribution amplifiers will support all SD, HD, VESA and Ultra HD/4K video standards including UHD/4K, 1080p/60, 1920×1200, 3D and support of HDCP 2.2 and HDR, with deep color support up to UHD/4K 30Hz 4:4:4/12 bits or 60Hz 4:4:4/8 bit.
With EDID Control, there is a built-in internal library with 15 EDID handshakes in addition to native EDID data of output/display one. The full buffer system manages TMDS re-clocking / signal re-generation, HDCP source and display authentication, Hot Plug Management and EDID Control handshake. Supported lossless compressed digital audio formats include Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos.
The specs for the KD-DA1x2 are here, for the KD-DA1x4 are here and KD-DA1x8 are here. Leave a Comment
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Delvcam Intros Eight LCD 1RU Rack Monitor for 3G-SDIDelvcam just unveiled the new DELV-8LCD-SDI 1RU rack mounted monitor panel featuring eight 2-inch displays, each with one 3G-SDI input and one 3G-SDI output and multiple functions.
With functions such as equalization and reclocking as well as on-screen audio meters, timecodes and UMDs, this eight LCD rack mounted monitor is designed of both live events and in-house production suites.
The LED backlit LCD monitors feature embedded audio meters, equalization, reclocking and a UMD character function. Each monitor has a 640×240 native resolution and includes DIP switches that activate audio meters and time codes to assist in audio/video production monitoring. Functions, including brightness and contrast, are controlled through a computer interface.
Here are all the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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LG Debuts Pro:Centric Direct Hospitality Management System LG Electronics is launching an advanced new content management system for hotels called Pro:Centric Direct that features an authoring tool using drag and drop widgets as well as a new Internet video streaming and casting service. The new Pro:Centric Direct platform allows system integrators unlimited design options for guest user interfaces while providing them access to new streaming services in partnership with system integrators.
Based on HTML5, the LG Pro:Centric Direct platform features easy editing tools to allow the system integrator to design a truly custom look and feel for their hotel clients — from a blank template “free design” to various theme templates provided by LG.
Pro:Centric Direct enables LG’s system integrator partners to interface their network servers and Chromecast or similar casting devices, to enable guests to pair and stream content from their Android and iOS mobile devices, or launch any of the embedded applications of LG’s smart hotel TVs. Providing guests access to these services either from their devices or from the smart television platform offers a wide selection of Internet-based video and music entertainment options within a single unified platform, Kosla explained.
LG Pro:Centric Direct also helps hoteliers keep guests up-to-date on hotel activities, news, weather and other information within seconds through widgets that can be placed on the TVs home screen. Offering guests more services than ever before, the LG Pro:Centric Direct platform features an IP interface for two-way communications, enabling guests to place orders for room service, make appointments at the spa, interact with the concierge, review their portfolio and check out, to name a few. Guests no longer have to search the room for information. All updates, menus and content are in one place – on the TV.
LG Pro:Centric Direct is here. Leave a Comment
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InFocus Partners With MultiTaction for Collaboration Software and Hardware Solution InFocus Corporation today announced that its BigTouch interactive PC displays have been selected by MultiTaction to offer customers a single, large-screen, hardware and software solution for visual collaboration.
The InFocus BigTouch combines the same functionality as an iPad or tablet but uses Windows 10 Pro PC in a giant capacitive touch screen. The on-board Windows PC has Intel Core i7 processing and solid-state hardware and BigTouch is available in 57-inch and 65-inch with 1080p or 70-inch and 85-inch in native 4K (3840×2160) resolution.
MultiTaction, which will do enterprise demos and seeding with InFocus hardware, offers its MT Canvus collaboration software. Canvus is unique in the way that it helps visualize big data and encourages collaborative working. It enables multiple sources such as video feeds, web-based applications and content from smart devices to run in parallel and remote users can share, manipulate, draw and input information in real-time wherever they are based.
Both the InFocus BigTouch displays as well as MultiTaction Canvus and Canvus Connect are available now and all the details are here. If you want more information on the MultiTaction Canvus, go here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships AES67-Based DMP 128 Series – And, Here’s Why This Matters…Several competing Audio over IP protocols have emerged over the last several years and have been implemented in certain markets by various manufacturers. However, equipment using incompatible audio over IP protocols often needs to be part of a single system. Without an interoperability standard, designers and integrators have been forced to modify their equipment choices or abandon audio networking altogether, sacrificing the flexibility of an IP solution.
The AES67 standard provides interoperability between the predominant audio over IP protocols in use today. Developed by the Audio Engineering Society, published as an open standard in 2013, and most recently updated in 2015, AES67 is not an Audio over IP protocol by itself. Rather, it is an interoperability standard that acts as a translator between protocols. To take advantage of AES67 within a networked audio system, all system components must have implemented AES67 on top of their native protocols. Therefore, it is highly advisable to research what is implemented on the specific devices that will interconnect via IP within a design.
Extron has had Dante-enabled audio networking gear for years — as does many manufacturers. But, for system designs where required devices utilize an audio over IP protocol other than Dante, operating in AES67 mode provides interoperability with other AES67 capable devices on the network.
These Dante-enabled Extron products have additionally implemented AES67:
Extron’s DMP 128 Plus AT models send out 24 channels of digital audio and can receive 48 channels over a Dante network.
- DMP 128 Plus AT 12×8 ProDSP Processor w/Dante
- DMP 128 Plus C AT 12×8 ProDSP Processor w/AEC, and Dante
- DMP 128 Plus C V AT 12×8 ProDSP Processor w/AEC, VoIP, and Dante
Extron’s DMP 128 AT models send out 24 channels of digital audio and can receive 56 channels over a Dante network.
- DMP 128 AT 12×8 ProDSP Processor w/Dante
- DMP 128 C AT 12×8 ProDSP Processor w/AEC, and Dante
- DMP 128 C P AT 12×8 ProDSP Processor w/AEC, POTS, and Dante
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Harman Is Finally Showing Us the Synergy Between Brands with New AMX InciteThe AMX Incite is a family of three different 8×1 (with three outputs all with the same content) 4K 3840×2160 resolution presentation switcher aimed at classrooms and meeting rooms and combines AMX switching, scaling and control, BSS digital signal processing, dbx Advanced Feedback Suppression and amplification by Crown DriveCore — all in one 1U rack unit.
Each in the series has eight inputs (four HDMI, two DXLite and two RGBHV/VGA) and a scaled video feed output simultaneously to two HDMI outputs and 1 DXLite output. AMX is calling it an 8×1:3 presentation switcher.
Distance transport with DXLite (a fancy name for HDBaseT) on the inputs and output provides 4K/60 4:4:4 support with compression for runs up to 70 meters. Use with the DXLink Wallplate Transmitter to feed inputs into Incite and the new DXLite Receiver after the output before the output device (e.g., display, projector and lecture output device).
Embedded audio processing includes switching from any of the six embedded digital audio inputs, six analog stereo audio inputs or two microphone inputs which can be mixed across two defined audio output groups. Audio outputs can be assigned to either output group adding to configuration flexibility. Audio outputs are provided on two independently configurable balanced pre-amp audio outputs, and as embedded audio paths on each of the three mirrored digital video outputs.
Control includes an integrated web GUI, front panel, on-screen menu setup and native NetLinx device control via native NetLinx ICSP commands.
Here are all the detailed specs of each of the three models. Leave a Comment
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Kaptivo Introduces an Enterprise Version of Their Whiteboard Capture TechnologyKaptivo today announced Kaptivo Enterprise, a new product specifically designed to provide live whiteboard sharing within the corporate meeting rooms, breakout rooms, and huddle rooms.
Kaptivo Enterprise will be available October 2017 (for $699 plus an annual subscription service of $300). Kaptivo claims to transform any standard dry-erase whiteboard into an online collaboration tool. The device is a connected micro-optical camera and advanced processor that sits above any whiteboard. Whiteboards can be shared to anyone via the browser-based Kaptivo client and are securely saved in the cloud with every change.
Kaptivo Enterprise follows Kaptivo Office by using the same proprietary embedded software and patented computer vision technology to automatically identify and extract only important content. This means that Kaptivo eliminates people in front of the whiteboard and other visual distractions such as background shadows, reflections and old marker residue left on the board. Other key Kaptivo benefits include: eliminating the need to take notes or photos of the whiteboard; automatically, capturing an intelligent archive of all board content changes; “rewinding” the whiteboard to a particular point in the meeting to see how an idea developed and sharing a timeline of content that is generated as a PDF document — all without any change to the whiteboarding workflow.
Kaptivo Enterprise features include:
- Share the live whiteboard image remotely to any web browser on any device
- Screen-share in video conferences to all participants anywhere Capture & Save
- Automatically capture an image archive of all board changes
- Download and share the whole meeting as a multi-page presentation
- Enhanced tools for content management: search, translate, annotate and organize whiteboard content
- Ethernet or wireless connectivity to network
- All content served from the device itself; no content is ever stored in the cloud
- No media storage required
- SSL data encryption for all communication
- On-premise hosting option available
- Works with any size of whiteboard or glass board up to 6′ x 4′
- As easy as hanging a picture frame – no technical skills needed
- Takes typically less than three minutes to set up
- Custom length wiring available
- Can be powered through PoE connection
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Extron Intros Four eBUS Button Panels With Field-Labelable Buttons Extron just launched four new eBUS button panels with dual-color, field-labelable, backlit buttons. The EBP 50, EBP 103 D, EBP 104 EU, and the EBP 104 MK are customizable and integration-friendly AV system control interfaces that work with any IPCP Pro control processor. A single eBUS button panel can be used as the AV control interface for a smaller system or multiple button panels and touchpanels may be combined when a more elaborate control system is required. These new button panels represent a broad range of industry-standard form factors for integration compatibility and compliment the decor of any presentation environment. The EBP 104 EU is also Flex55-compatible, for worldwide use. eBUS accessories are availble, and include distribution hubs, power supplies and mounting products that streamline integration and bring additional design flexibility to any system.
For larger systems, eBUS button panels may be linked together by a single cable that carries both power and communication. Since they have the same physical appearance as Extron’s broad range of MediaLink controllers, eBUS button panels can be used alongside them throughout a facility while preserving a consistent look and user experience. Removable button caps make changing labels in the field easy.
Here are ether details. Leave a Comment
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ProVideoInstruments Debuts VeCASTERProVideoInstruments just launched the VeCASTER, an all-in-one HDMI IPTV and internet encoder streamer with built-in unicast, RTMP, UDP, HTTP, HLS, RTP, RTSP simultaneous servers, multi-stream and multi-resolution HDMI to HEVC. Available as H.265, H.264 and rackmount, the VeCASTER features video distribution over Internet and IPTV to create live, high-quality TV channels over the internet. With direct streaming up to 1 Gbps bandwidth, the VeCASTER features HEVC H265 Full HD to maximize HD quality and reduce bandwidth, as well as resolutions up to 1080p at 60 frames per second. Its slim design allows a quick, rackmount installation with up to 16 encoder servers.
The VeCASTER can broadcast live TV channels over IP networks and stream to network repeaters, including Wowza, YouTube and more. Users can calibrate with independent frame-ration settings for each of the four frames, ranging from 5 to 60 fps. They can also adjust independent audio and video compression parameters for each stream and an independent video scaler for each stream. Here are the details.Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV 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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