Volume 9, Issue 3 — March 14, 2016
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ITIL: Not Just Another Acronym
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
Years ago, we used to talk about IT and AV convergence. I think that most of us would agree that the “convergence” is over. AV is part of IT. As we went through the process of convergence we, discussed how best to prepare for this eventual converged state. Many AV specialists went on to get typical IT certifications, from companies like Microsoft and Cisco. Having these certifications helped us discuss our needs with our network administrators with more ease. One of the certifications that you may have heard about but never knew much about is ITIL.
Rather than a technical certification, ITIL is a best practices guidance. The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) began in England over twenty years ago. It was recognized that IT, and any business process really, could benefit from a standard set of best practices. After several revisions, the ITIL is currently at version 2011.
ITIL breaks down IT processes into five lifecycles. These lifecycles and their definitions are:
- Service Strategy — Defining the services you provide, why you provide them and the value they create. Develop business cases for each service that answer the why and how much questions.
- Service Design — The stage at which your services are defined. This will include information other than just technology. It is critical to tie the design of your services to expected business outcomes.
- Service Transition — The process through which you bring new services online, change services and retire services.
- Service Operation — How you support the ongoing operations. Best practices for service desks.
- Continuous Lifecycle Improvement — A process through which you consistently review your services, including service management, and look for ways to improve them and create additional value for your customers.
I have recently completed the ITIL foundations course through a training company called Pink Elephant. I chose to take a self paced online course. It took about two months for me to complete the course and it prepared me well enough to pass the exam on my first attempt. Now, I am taking the course that is specifically geared towards service strategy. If you have taken the CTS courses and exams you have an idea of what you are in for. The information can be a bit dry at times, and the writers are very picky about using the correct language. In the end though, you stand to gain a great deal.
So why does this matter to the readers of this column? More and more higher ed institutes are beginning to implement ITIL processes into their decision making. If you are a tech manager struggling to explain budgets or staffing these best practices give you a foundation on which to base your arguments. I am on several list serves, and at least once a month someone asks a question about standards at other institutions. For example, how many tech do you have per classroom? Or — what is the lifecycle of your technologies? While it may be interesting to know these answers, we all should be asking some questions of ourselves first, and these questions are well spelled out in the ITIL guidance. Before I can answer how many techs I should have on staff, I should be able to describe what service they will provide, via a service level agreement. Examples of the information I should have include: expectations for response time to problems and acceptable downtime of technology. Before I can answer how often I should refresh the technology I should be able to answer the expectations of my users regarding their uses of this technology. ITIL does not just encourage you to think about these things, it guides you to have these discussions with your customers and to write down the agreements reached. Through this method you then create a budget to support the agreements made. If the budget is not acceptable, negotiations are had about where the service levels can be changed to bring the budget in line.
If you are an integrator, it is also critical for you to be able to understand the ITIL framework. It is likely that you will be working with institutions that have implemented the framework, whether it be an educational institution or a for profit firm. Just as a local technology manager needs to know what type of uptime is expected from equipment, the integrator/designer needs to know this as well, in order to deliver the appropriate product. In addition to being able to use the same language as your customers, it will help you define how you want to run your business and the services you want to provide.
Over the next few columns, I will discuss each of the lifecycle stages in more detail, and help readers understand which of those lifecycles may be relevant to them. Leave a Comment
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Barco Adds 19K Lumen Projector Aimed at Rental and StagingBarco has added a new projector to its HDX line that’s aimed at large venues and events with a 3-chip DLP, 19,000-lumen 4K resolution model. The HDX-4K20 FLEX shares its lens range, ease of use, and modularity with the other HDX models and includes Barco’s FLEX feature have been expanded to offer both flexible brightness and flexible resolution on the new HDX-4K20 FLEX model. Shipping in June 2016, the HDX-4K20 FLEX is the first HDX projector with 4K resolution that’s being introduced, followed by the HDX-4K12 and HDX-4K14 models later this year.
The HDX-4K20 FLEX is delivered with Barco’s flexible brightness feature, which allows users to tune and lock the brightness level for a specific application – from 10,000 to 19,000 lumens in incremental steps. To make this projector even more versatile, the FLEX feature has been expanded to include flexible resolution, allowing customers to choose and lock in WUXGA, WQXGA or 4K UHD resolution.
Equipped with 3-chip DLP technology, a single high-brightness Xenon lamp, and a high-contrast optical engine, the HDX-4K20 FLEX has an all-new single-step processing technology that handles all of the latest resolutions and offers advanced image warping and edge blending with zero additional latency. Input capability includes HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, HDBaseT and quad 6G HDSDI.
Barco’s HDX, HDF, and HDQ ranges are aimed at events and large venues and are considered rugged projectors in a modular design of only five building blocks makes them easy to service. Equipped with rental frames, the projectors can easily be stacked or rigged. And, just like the other members of the RLM, HDX, HDF, and FLM projector families, the HDX-4K20 FLEX uses the TLD lens suite, so there’s no need for rental companies to replace their existing lens fleet. The new TLD+ 0.8-1.16:1 lens offers extreme 120% vertical lens shift capability, just like all current TLD+ lenses.
Barco will debut the HDX-4K20 FLEX projector at the ISE trade show, RAI Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from 9 – 12 February. You will find Barco at Hall 11, booth F100 or here. Leave a Comment
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Bogen Introduces New Class-D Public Address AmplifiersBogen Communications is introducing a new series of Class-D amplifiers with 150-watt and 250-watt output and each with exactly the same features. The GS150D and GS250D models include a newly developed Class-D amplifier which enables less heat dissipation than previous Bogen Gold Seal Series models, saving cooling costs. They are up to 50 percent more efficient than previous models and including an upgraded contemporary set of screw terminal connections. The use of Class-D amplifiers also enables very low thermal emissions of 239.1 BTU/hour for the GS250D and 136.6 BTU/hour for the GS150D.
The Bogen Gold Seal Series Class-D amplifiers are an addition to Bogen’s line of high-quality audio amplifiers. With the incorporation of the Class-D amplifier, the GS250D (at 320W of power consumption and weighing just 19.5 lbs.) is 42 percent more efficient and 55 percent lighter than previous 250-watt models, while the GS150D (at 190W of power consumption and weighing in at 18.5 lbs.) is 50 percent more efficient and 65 percent lighter than previous 150-watt models. Another benefit for rack installations is that the GS250D and GS150D have the same chassis dimensions as Bogen’s previous GS250 model. (GS150D chassis height and width are the same as GS150, while the length is 1.5″ longer.)
Features include:
- Two-piece pluggable Euro block-type connectors enable signal cables to be more quickly connected/disconnected from the amp
- Four dedicated MIC inputs
- One selectable MIC/TEL input
- One selectable MIC/AUX input
- One dedicated AUX input
- 4-ohm, 8-ohm, 25V, 25VCT and 70V transformer-coupled outputs
The Gold Seal Series Class-D amplifiers are listed to UL standard 60065 and here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron eBUS Accessories Enable Control System ExpansionExtron has introduced two new eBUS system accessories, the EBDB and the PS 1220EB, that are specifically for expanding control systems. The Extron EBDB is an eBUS distribution hub that reduces cable runs by providing a convenient connection point for eBUS wiring infrastructure. The EBDB is designed for larger or more complex control systems that require a more elaborate cabling infrastructure. A front panel status LED indicates when power is present on one of the 10 eBUS distribution ports. All ports are connected in parallel, allowing each port to act as an input or an output for eBUS communication.
The Extron PS 1220EB is a 12 volt, 24 watt, rack mountable eBUS power supply and distribution hub. The PS 1220EB provides additional power for larger or more complex control systems and reduces cable runs by providing a convenient connectivity point for eBUS devices. Parallel and interchangeable eBUS distribution ports allow each port to act as an input or an output port. For the PS 1220EB, each port provides 12 VDC of power to connected eBUS devices.
eBUS button panels connect to a Pro Series control processor and use a unique digital bus architecture that allows for easy control system expansion, greater design options, and future upgrades. This efficient, expandable design allows a button panel to be used as a single user interface in a smaller system or combined with other button panels and touchpanels when a more elaborate control system is required. Buttons can be easily customized using Extron Button Label Generator software or by using the online Custom Button Builder application.
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Kramer to Distribute EventBoardKramer has entered into a worldwide distribution agreement with EventBoard. The EventBoard solution from Kramer will be on display in booth number F20 in Hall 1 at the ISE show, being held at the RAI in Amsterdam from February 9th through February 12th.
EventBoard is promoted as a subscription-based software as a service (SaaS), enterprise-grade cloud management solution. The concept is that displays are mounted outside of meeting rooms to inform any one of that meeting rooms meeting status and availability for future meetings. The EventBoard partnership represents Kramer’s first entry into SaaS, which Kramer believes will become a big part of an IT evolved and converged Pro AV market.
Kramer customers will benefit from EventBoard’s intuitive meeting scheduling and streamlined resource booking, aspects of business that have long been recognized as a enhancer of productivity in companies, regardless of size.
Kramer channel partners will benefit from Kramer’s commitment to technological solutions that demonstrate a clear return on investment to their customers, while simultaneously providing valued channel partners with recurring revenue stream opportunities. The EventBoard distribution agreement is part of a new strategic direction for Kramer and represents a focus on more and more enterprise AV/IT solutions for the converged Pro AV market.
EventBoard supports all major enterprise calendaring platforms including Exchange, Office 365 and Google Apps. The intuitive room scheduling software was designed to run on existing iOS devices, such as Apple’s iPad and iPad mini, thereby functioning as an interactive display screen.
Beyond scheduling capabilities, EventBoard is promoted to also include an analytics framework that quantifies workplace activities by illuminating data that has previously been unavailable. This type of data includes knowing when and with what frequency conference rooms are being utilized, tracking average occupancy rates, and identifying underused and overused resources and spaces. EventBoard Analytics helps customers identify positive and negative trends in their workplace that will allow them to make important operational, financial and technological improvements.
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Atlona Intros 4K Switcher That Output 100 MetersAtlona has introduced the AT-UHD-CLSO-612ED, a six-input switcher features built-in 4K scaling (converts 4K down to 1080p), mirrored HDBaseT and HDMI outputs, and AV signal extension up to 100 meters. It’s aimed at the educational markets. The UHD-CLSO-612ED is equipped with two HDBaseT inputs, two HDMI inputs, two analog inputs and an audio input.
The switcher is designed to work with the Atlona AT-UHD-EX-100CE-TX HDBaseT transmitter and the AT-HDVS-200-TX switcher as remote inputs for sources placed on lecterns, conference tables, or any location within 100 meters using CAT6a/7 cable. In addition, an HDBaseT output is provided for remote displays to extend AV and control signals up to 100 meters using an AT-UHD-EX-100CE-RX Ethernet-enabled receiver.
The AT-UHD-CLSO-612ED utilizes PoE technology to power compatible HDVS Series switchers connected to its inputs and to power an HDBaseT receiver connected to its output and including source selection as well as volume control can be done via IP, RS232 or CEC control when using consumer displays. Automatic input selection on the CLSO-612ED works by sensing the presence of any video signal.
The AT-UHD-CLSO-612ED is $2,299.99. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Bose Pro Expands the F1 Loudspeaker FamilyBose Professional has expanded its F1 Flexible Array Loudspeaker product line, to include a new passive full range model and a full suite of mounting brackets. Together with a powered model introduced in 2015, both Bose F1 loudspeaker models are ideal for portable and installed applications. The F1 Model 812 Loudspeaker is the first portable loudspeaker offering “FLEX array technology,” which lets installers focus sound to target listening areas with four different patterns, offering exceptional power and clarity for a wide range of applications and venues.
Engineered with an array of eight Bose proprietary 2.25-inch drivers, 100-degree horizontal waveguides, a high-powered 12-inch woofer and a lower crossover point, F1 Model 812 loudspeakers deliver high SPL performance while, according to Bose, maintaining vocal and midrange clarity.
F1 Model 812 loudspeakers include M8 top and rear hang points along with three dedicated brackets for easy and flexible mounting. Pan and tilt, yoke and U bracket options are available.
When extended bass response is needed for portable applications, the optional Bose F1 Subwoofer packs all the power of a larger bass module into a more compact design. The active loudspeaker and subwoofer have a combined 2,000 watts of power (1,000 watts each), able to fill nearly any venue with immersive sound. A Bose proprietary mounting stand for the loudspeaker is integrated right into the body of the subwoofer, making setup fast and easy. The stand even includes cable channels to neatly hide the wires. Additionally, the loudspeaker and subwoofer feature strategically placed handles for stress-free transportation (the system easily fits in a car), made with highly durable materials to ensure years of reliability.
The powered and passive F1 loudspeakers is designed for live music venues, sports bars, clubs, schools, houses of worship and any small to medium size venue requiring a high performance loudspeaker solution with precise control and directivity.
Bose F1 Model 812 specifications:
- F1 Model 812 loudspeaker (active): 26.1″ H x 13.1″ W x 14.6″ D (664.66 x 334.3 x 372.5mm); 44.5 lbs (20.18 kg)
- F1 Model 812 loudspeaker (passive): 26.1″ H x 13.1″ W x 14.6″ D (664.66 x 334.3 x 372.5mm); 47.5 lbs (21.55 kg)
- Bose F1 Subwoofer: 27″ H x 16.1″ W x 17.6″ D (688 x 410.16 x 448.5 mm); 55 lbs (24.9 kg)
All of it is here. Leave a Comment
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Kramer Introduces Kramer Network — An AV Over IP System — at ISE 2016Kramer Electronics is introducing something called Kramer Network, an enterprise management platform for AV over IP solutions at ISE 2016. This new solution from Kramer enables the routing, management and control of standard AV and AV over IP systems and it’s being launched in the Kramer booth, F20 in Hall 1 at the ISE show this week.
The Kramer Network is a bridge between the traditional AV world and the evolving AV over IP world. It is one platform that they say can manage everything. Kramer Network is an enterprise software platform that lets you route, manage, control, operate and maintain all your Pro AV, IT and IP solutions with one convenient web-based interface. Kramer Network is designed to be a hybrid approach to AV networking as it manages both legacy AV devices and newer IP-based AV devices. On top of that, Kramer Network integrated enterprise grade Dante integration for enabling user management, authentication, predefined connection configurations, dedicated virtual matrix, customized room view.
Kramer Network is aimed at letting both AV technology managers and IT managers to configure, control and maintain large AV deployments from any single point.
There are three basic components to the Kramer Network that allow users to route, manage and control a system. The first is the Virtual Matrix. With Kramer Network you switch any number of audio and video sources to any number of destinations on an IP-based AV network. The software can easily scale from a few devices to hundreds and thousands devices. Users can simply just click in order to make audio, video, or audio and video connections from any sources to any destinations.
The second is Enterprise Management. The Kramer Network provides a dashboard to manage all your AV and also AV over IP resources and provide system analytics, and is has user access rights management hierarchy built-in so access rights can be assigned locally or remotely.
The third is Control. The Kramer Network allows users to control both AV components as well as room functions, such as lights, shades, screens, displays, etc. Users can also remotely configure and control all the devices in any IP-based AV system. Kramer products introduced to the Kramer Network will be auto-discovered, and other products can be easily added as well.
The Kramer Network can be installed on standard, enterprise, virtual, or cloud servers, and the whole system can be web-managed, so it can be accessed or operated if desired from anywhere, any time, through a web client using a laptop, PC, or mobile device. With the Kramer Network there are both “Tree View” and “Room View” options for operation.
Since the Kramer Network deploys on a standard Microsoft Windows platform and Kramer says there is no programming necessary. All the details are here. Leave a Comment
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AudioControl Adds Control To ‘The Director’ Series Network AmplifiersAudioControl has announced the availability of a suite of dedicated control drivers for their newly released matrix amplifier, the Director Model M6400. Now control drivers for AMX, Crestron, Control4, RTI and Savant allow integrators to control the key functions of The Director Model M6400 matrix-amplifier when they are used in conjunction with their respective control systems.
Functions of the drivers include:
- Discrete input selection – eight analog plus two digital with full matrixing to any output channels, amplified or digital buss
- Ability to increase and decrease volume levels incrementally in each zone plus muting
- Volume level adjustment on a per zone, per group, or per zone while in a group basis
- Recall equalization setting from memory locations
- Set a default “Maximum On Volume” function
- Program query commands to identify current known volume status of zones and alerts
- Dynamic Grouping
The Director Model M6400, part of AudioControl’s new Matrix M-Series, builds upon AudioControl’s ‘The Director’ DSP Series driving sixteen channels of high-power amplification in a 2U chassis that delivers over 65 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 100 watts per channel at 4 ohms and 175 watts at 8 ohm bridged, all channels driven. The M6400 features on-board digital signal processing, graphic and parametric equalization by zone, network monitoring, and programming plus the addition of volume control, channel/zone grouping and zone audio presets.
The new drivers are available on the AudioControl website here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces 10″ Capacitive TouchLink Pro TouchpanelsExtron just introduced 10” versions of their control system touch panels in the form of the TLP Pro 1022M and TLP Pro 1022T. Available as both wall mount and tabletop TouchLink Pro touchpanels with capacitive, edge-to-edge glass touchscreen, they are 1024 x 600 resolution. As with all TouchLink Pro models, these new, customizable touchpanels feature faster processing and more memory. The convenience of Power over Ethernet — PoE allows the touchpanels to receive power and communication over a single Ethernet cable. The TLP Pro 1022M and TLP Pro 1022T have the same sleek design as our larger TouchLink Pro touchpanels and features that make them ideal for control applications requiring fully-customizable touchpanels with flexible mounting options.
The TLP Pro 1022M and TLP Pro 1022T work in conjunction with any Extron IP Link Pro control processor and are designed for use in AV system applications that require complete, interactive control of a broad range of devices. All TouchLink Pro touchpanels operate using standard network infrastructure and are easy to install with reliable and cost effective Ethernet cable. They are customized using Extron GUI Designer software. This powerful interface design software offers ready-to-use resource kits to help design a wide variety of interfaces for rooms and presentation environments. For mounting flexibility, the TLP Pro 1022T can be removed from its base and mounted on any VESA standard mounting arm or bracket.
The TLP Pro 1022M and TLP Pro 1022T are both here. Leave a Comment
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JBL Redesigns Control Speaker SeriesJBL has all-new Control 23-1, Control 25-1 and Control 28-1 loudspeakers. The update to the series brings an array of new features, styling and more competitive pricing. The latest versions of the Control Contractor series feature a more contemporary look, a flatter and wider frequency response for a more natural and full sound, greater bass extension, improved coverage for on- and off-axis sound and a higher maximum SPL.
The JBL Control Contractor models combine 70V/100V (“T”) and low-impedance (“non-T”) versions for greater job-site and inventory flexibility. Contractors and dealers will also appreciate the retention of the pioneering InvisiBall brackets as standard and the addition of U-brackets as an optional add-on. New outdoor features include an attractive redesigned grill with improved plating and finish, screw-down input terminals and an optional WeatherMax aluminium grill with a toughened finish and optional MTC-PC3 watertight panel covers for wire side-exits in tight-to-wall applications.
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NEC Intros Two HDMI and HDBaseT Switchers at ISENEC Display today announced a new HDBaseT switcher, the NEC NP01SW1, that handles analog and digital video, audio, power, LAN and control over a single Ethernet cable. Using a push-button interface, it allows 3 HDMI sources, a microphone, LAN and USB A/B. Control features include on/off of the NEC projector or LCD and volume control of the display device without needing programming. Third party HDBaseT compliant receivers are also supported, so the NP01SW1 can be integrated into existing HDBaseT installations.
The, the NP01SW2 includes the NP01SW1 switch and a HDBaseT receiver module for an all-in-one solution, available for NEC devices that do not have an OPS (Open Pluggable Specification) option slot, built-in HDBaseT receiver. The NP01SW1 and NP01SW2 are the first products of this type to incorporate all of these technologies into one package.
Among the key features of the NP01SW1 and NP01SW2 media switches are:
- Three HDMI, USB A/B, LAN and microphone inputs
- Infrared window on the NP01SW1/NP01SW2, which enables easy control via the display devices’ remote control
- Wall-mounting bracket included, making installation simpler
- Pre-programmed for push-button control of NEC displays and projectors directly from the media switch
- Volume control of media and the microphone is included
- Compliance with HDBaseT devices and third-party receivers
The NP01SW1 and NP01SW2 will be available in February 2016 at a price of $699 and $849, respectively. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships XTP II CrossPoint Matrix Switchers with 50 Gbps Backplane and XTP 3G-SDI Input BoardExtron is shipping its new XTP II CrossPoint 3200 and XTP II CrossPoint 1600 matrix switchers along with the XTP CP 4i 3G‑SDI input board. XTP II CrossPoint matrix switchers have the industry’s first 50 Gbps switching backplanes. The modular design can be configured in sizes up to 16×16 or 32×32 with signal routing capabilities that can support 4K/60 video with 4:4:4 chroma sampling at 16 bits per color (this matters as most 4K switchers we have seen announced over the last 6-10 months have a 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 chroma sampling rate). XTP II is the only AV technology platform that supports uncompromised 4K video while providing additional bandwidth to accommodate anticipated future video resolutions and formats. The XTP CP 4i 3G‑SDI input board provides seamless integration of broadcast video sources into professional applications, such as cameras for videoconference environments and live events. The XTP CP 4i 3G‑SDI board features four 3G‑SDI inputs with stereo audio and buffered loop-throughs and automatically adapts to SMPTE and ITU standards for 3G‑SDI, HD‑SDI, and SDI signals.
XTP II CrossPoint matrix switchers can be configured with a variety of boards to provide a completely integrated switching and distribution solution for multiple digital and analog formats. With local connectivity, as well as twisted pair and 4K fiber optic extended transmission, XTP Systems are known in the industry to offer complete end-to-end AV system solutions of uncompromised quality and performance. The XTP II line is the definitive AV industry standard you can depend on now and in the future to meet the challenges of 4K and beyond.
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AMX Debuts New NMX-WP-N3510 Windowing ProcessorAMX’s new SVSI NMX-WP-N3510 is an H.264 multi-channel windowing processor that works with the N3000 Series family of video over IP encoders and decoders. This rack-mount appliance accepts up to nine video streams as inputs from SVSI N3000 Series H.264 Encoders (or other third-party main- or high-profile H.264 streams) and outputs one windowed HD video stream for local viewing through an HDMI port or in streaming format to a remote hardware or software decoder.
The combined IP video stream transports H.264 compressed at various resolutions for media distribution on the existing network. Digital signage, TV and PC content can be delivered in any combination for viewing on a single large display or a video wall through SVSI N3000 Decoders.
With the SVSI NMX-WP-N3510 H.264 Multi-Channel Windowing Processor, image configuration can be adjusted dynamically through a web interface. Images can be cropped, scaled, and positioned according to the stored presets or in any user-defined configuration. The web interface allows the user to position and stretch windows through drag-and-drop/resize or directly setting values. Common tools like “Snap and Grid” are available to help align window edges. Borders, backgrounds, presets, text overlays, mode and input streams can also be manipulated. A variety of presets make it possible to change the image configuration on the fly allowing seamless switching between presets and seamless switching between video steams within a preset.
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Crowd Mics Launches Product Aimed at AV IntegratorsThe smartphone-based mic system, Crowd Mics, has come up with an AV integrator version — so you can make money selling it.
How do you install hundreds of wireless mics in your room? You don’t! Let the audience bring the mics, you just install the Crowd Mics ATOM. The ATOM is a device dedicated to Crowd Mics audio. The fact that you plug the ATOM into the sound system instead of the moderators mobile device means they can now be anywhere in the room. With little or no network configuration, the ATOM bridges the gap between mobile devices and the PA system via the wired and wireless network.
The ATOM plugs into the wired network and receives Crowd Mics audio and the audio output plugs directly into the sound system. The moderator connects to the ATOM using a unique four-digit code and users can connect to a session via Bonjour discovery if available on the network. Users can also connect to the session with the four-digit code. Bonjour can remain disabled and wireless client isolation can remain enabled. The moderator can then control who speaks using the iPad app interface. The number of users you can connect is only dependent on the Wi-Fi network.
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Extron Intros Big Control Processor with Dedicated AV LAN PortLooks like Extron is getting closer and closer to the high-end control market as they just launched the IPCP Pro 555 a high-end IP Link Pro control processor with a dedicated AV LAN port. It features advanced security standards and dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, which are designed to ensure compatibility with multiple TouchLink Pro touchpanels using a standard network infrastructure. Of the two Ethernet ports, the AV LAN is designated to control local AV devices, and is secure from outside interference or intrusion. The IPCP Pro 555 can be used with Extron LinkLicense, which further enhances the capabilities of Extron Pro Series control systems. The IPCP Pro 555 is an ideal choice for controlling multiple devices and signal types within AV systems requiring an isolated AV network.
The IPCP Pro 555 features a DHCP server for the AV LAN that streamlines system setup and management. It automatically distributes IP addresses and network configuration parameters for the AV devices connected to the local AV LAN. In addition, the AV LAN port permits communications from the Ethernet port for remote management and firmware updates for Extron devices, and restricts other Ethernet traffic. The IPCP Pro 555 can be configured and customized using Extron Global Configurator Plus or Global Configurator Professional. It is also compatible with GlobalViewer Enterprise software.
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Proxima Debuts 1920×1200 5K-Lumen LCD ProjectorProxima Displays Corporation is back and their newest projector is the M1030U, a WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution LCD projector. Spec’d at 5,000 lumens, it includes VGA, HDMI, BNC, DVI and RJ45 inputs. The M1030 ships with the standard lens, and offers four additional lens options, from rear projection through short-throw lens capability.
The M1030U is Crestron RoomView, AMX and Extron certified and tested and it is aimed at education, HOW and rental/staging applications. More details are here. Leave a Comment
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Microphone Placement Is Everything!
By Tony Sprando Commercial AV Designer
Today I’d like share about best practices for where to place a fixed microphone when using one for speaking. These best practices apply to everyone including sports announcers for the Big Ten Conference, presidential candidates from a lectern and also general handheld applications.
The speaking voice is a source, and like your radio or music player, it creates sound and it projects its sound to the listener. To increase the quality of your voice for listeners, you need to apply a sound system, i.e speakers and microphones. When using these pieces of equipment, a speaker must consider placement, which I will cover for you here.
The top considerations are: the placement of the microphone, the placement of the speakers and the location of the hard surfaces in the room.
Respect the room. This is the most commonly overlooked aspect. Before you ever step up to the microphone or sit behind one, take an inventory of the room including furniture, walls, and floors, especially around where you will be speaking. The room set-up can be your friend or it can be your worst enemy.
Here are a few observation to note:
- Is the room full of hard surfaces?
- How close is the lectern to a wall?
- Is the table I am speaking from have a table cloth on it?
- Are the audio speakers located behind me or in front of me?
- How close will the next microphone, or another sound source, be next to me?
Placement is everything. If you want to prevent headaches and fighting with the sound guy then work with the room set-up folks and follow the 3:1 Rule as a “rule of thumb” – a broadly accurate guide or principle, based on experience or practice rather than theory. I believe in real life examples for the best results which is what experience has taught me.
The 3:1 Rule is a guideline to help you set up your equipment so they prevent audio issues from their origin. The sound that you make with your mouth is like a speaker and it will broadcast where ever you point it. So to provide a guide, the 3:1 Rule helps you in this way. If your mouth is 1′ away from the microphone, then keep all other sources at least 3x that distance away from your microphone. This would include other microphones, hard surfaces, music sources, rustling papers, clicking keyboards, fans, etc.
Audio Technician notes: Audio Input Gain. The 3:1 Rule will not work if the sound person does not understand sound structure. Here are the two that will make or break an event.
Unity Gain. Keep all the audio source gains and the mains out pretty much the same, not all over the place, looking like a zig zag on the mixer board or “riding the fader” on any other sources. The gain on your microphone should be close to the gain level on the rest of the other microphones, if there are any near you. The common problem is that if you are at a head table with other microphones, even using the 3:1 Rule, the sound person may turn up the gain to the other microphones which will start “elbowing in” into your area.
Phase Cancellation. In other words, when two microphones are in close proximity to one another and you wonder why you can’t get enough volume out of them, it’s because they are cancelling each other out. This is a result of the two identical signals, which if are 100 percent or 180 degrees out of phase, they will completely cancel one another if combined.
Best Practices for a Head Table Set-up: Set the audio mixer to a Unity Gain structure, set the microphone up in a uniformed manner, all about the same distance from the edge of the table. If there is someone who is softer spoken than the other person, then move the microphone closer to them. I recommend a gooseneck microphone or a boundary or “plate” microphone.
Best Practices for podium miking with two microphones. Here the two mics are placed with their capsules as close together as possible and angled in a “crossfire.” This provides a wider overall acceptance angle, allows stereo miking with excellent mono compatibility, and largely avoids the phase-interference problem. Podium miking with two microphones has the two mics placed with their capsules as close together as possible and angled in a “crossfire.” Proper mixer set-up is to pan one microphone to the left and the other to the right, which will avoid cancellation.
Speaker Placement: The main speakers must always be placed in front of the person speaking otherwise there will be feedback (loud screeching sound). The speaker cabinets should be in a location that will not be in the walking path of the presenter or easily walked in front of.
Acoustics Considerations: A common challenge also includes items in the room that conflict with the microphone’s performance.
Here are a few solutions:
Consider the way the microphone is attached to the podium or on the table. Vibrations from the floor or the table top can be distracting, so I recommend isolating the microphone stand or mount. Placing a cloth on the table or podium is a great first step to reduce those unwanted reflections and vibrations that naturally occur. Microphone companies have what are termed “isolation stands” and they offer mounting hardware that is a more permanent solution as well.
Final Word: Speak directly into the microphone!
High frequencies are very directional, and if you turn your head away from the microphone, the sound captured by the microphone will get noticeably dull.
If you are interested in further information, I’ve found the following resources valuable:
Hope these recommendations help you to have a successful presentation! Leave a Comment
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VESA Publishes DisplayPort Standard Version 1.4, Now USB Type-C and Thunderbolt CompatibleThe Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) today announced it has published version 1.4 of the DisplayPort (DP) audio/video standard. The first major update to DisplayPort since version 1.3 was released in September 2014, DP 1.4 is also the first DP standard to take advantage of VESA’s Display Stream Compression (DSC) technology. DSC version 1.2 transport enables up to 3:1 compression ratio and has been deemed, through VESA membership testing, to be visually lossless. Together with other new capabilities, this makes the latest version of DP ideally suited for implementation in high-end electronic products demanding premier sound and image quality.
DisplayPort is a packet-based, extensible protocol for transporting video and audio data. Initially introduced as a new external interface, its flexibility has enabled its adaptation to embedded displays and incorporation into other connectors like the new reversible USB Type-C interface and Thunderbolt. Its Multi-Stream Transport (MST) capability enables high-resolution support of multiple monitors on a single display interface.
In September 2014, VESA published DP 1.3, which has been the baseline for new system development. DP 1.3 increased the maximum link bandwidth to 32.4 Gbps, with each of four lanes running at a link rate of 8.1 Gbps/lane, a 50-percent increase over the previous DP 1.2a specification. DP 1.3 added extra protocol flexibility to enable more seamless operation over the USB Type-C connector in the form of the DisplayPort Alt Mode. The increased link rate increased the uncompressed display resolution support up to 5K x 3K (5120×2880), and also upped the MST resolution, enabling simultaneous use of two 4K UHD monitors, each with a pixel resolution of 3840×2160, when using VESA Coordinated Video Timing.
DP 1.4 further builds on the capabilities of the standard’s prior incarnations. The use of video transport compression enhances the ability to take advantage of the USB Type-C connector, enabling both high-definition video and SuperSpeed USB, while also facilitating High Dynamic Range (HDR) and 8K video across the DisplayPort or USB-C connector. Examples of increased display resolution with the new standard include 8Kp60Hz HDR deep color and 4Kp120Hz HDR deep color. Other key new features include:
- Forward Error Correction — FEC, which overlays the DSC 1.2 transport, addresses the transport error resiliency needed for compressed video transport to external displays.
- HDR meta transport — HDR meta transport uses the “secondary data packet” transport inherent in the DisplayPort standard to provide support for the current CTA 861.3 standard, which is useful for DP to
- HDMI 2.0a protocol conversion, among other examples. It also offers a flexible metadata packet transport to support future dynamic HDR standards.
- Expanded audio transport — This spec extension covers capabilities such as 32 audio channels, 1536kHz sample rate, and inclusion of all known audio formats.
Here is the standard. Leave a Comment
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Sharp Launches PN-V550 Full-HD Professional LED DisplaySharp expands its PN-V video wall series with the launch of its 55″ Class (54.6″ diagonal) PN-V550 LED Ultra-Slim Bezel professional monitor. With a bezel-to-bezel width of just 3.5mm, the PN-V550 features Sharp’s Uniform Color Calibration Technology (UCCT), Sharp claims the industry’s first and only factory calibration process that delivers out-of-the box pixel to pixel color uniformity between multiple video wall monitors — encompassing chromatic intensity, luminance, and hue.
The energy-efficient PN-V550 monitor combines full-HD (1920×1080) resolution with a brightness of 500 cd/m2 to deliver stunningly bright and detailed images to complement virtually any commercial or public space. Whether in a shopping mall, hotel, control room, transport hub, or conference hall, these monitors will convey messages with overwhelming style and precision around the clock, seven days a week. The video wall is not the only thing about this product that’s huge: The PN-V550 display is nearly 40 percent lighter and 40 percent more energy efficient than the Sharp 60″ Class (60″ diagonal) PN-V600A Professional Video Wall Display.
Features Include:
- Easy Video Wall Assembly/Connection: Video walls are easy to assemble and simple to control via RS-232C interface or network. Four monitors set up in a 2×2 configuration, for example, display every pixel of native 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160 pixels) content, equivalent to a 110″ Class (109.2″ diagonal) screen.
- Mirror Frames: Optional Mirror Frames in video walls help lessen the visible lines between monitors by reflecting images of the display content. This creates a smoother big-picture effect.
- Remote Control Sensor Box: A remote control sensor box is available so all of the monitors in a video wall configuration can be conveniently operated through one remote control.
- Safe Handling: All four corners are fitted with robust carrying handles that help enable safe transport and easy, time-saving installation.
it lists for $6595 and full specs are here. Leave a Comment
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AV Manufacturers Partner for The Higher Education Technology SummitFour well known audiovisual and classroom technologies manufacturers, FSR, Inc, Biamp Systems, Utelogy Corp. and SpinetiX, have partnered to create the first Higher Education Technology Summit (HETS). Created specifically for college and university managers of educational technology, HETS is designed to combine a day of product training, networking and peer-to-peer discussions in a fast moving format. The first HETS of 2016 will take place in Burlington, Mass on April 28th.
Gina Sansivero, Director of Business Development, Education at FSR, Inc tells why an event like HETS was created. “As industry leading manufacturers, we understand that educational technology managers are technically educated and experienced and are increasingly taking on more design and installation responsibilities in house. They are also developing technology standards and specifying products for the AV systems campus-wide. Technology managers typically have limited budgets for training and travel. A regional, cost- free, single day event provides the training they are asking for as well as time for time to network with their colleagues in schools throughout the region.”
Biamp, SpinetiX, Utelogy and FSR strategically aligned for the April event to help technology managers expand their knowledge as they prepare for upcoming summer installations. This Burlington HETS will provide a cost-free venue for educational technology managers to gather for a day of:
- product training and updates provided by non-competitive AV manufacturers
- a peer-to-peer panel discussion focusing on the challenges of faculty training, pedagogical modification and student success evaluation for technology enriched spaces
- a networking component that gives attendees the ability to discuss successes and challenges with their contemporaries
Reggie Payne, New England regional manager for NFS Communications, the manufacturer’s representative for FSR and SpinetiX explains, “We are excited to be able to support this group of EdTech managers with training from well-respected and diversified manufacturers.”
William Tinnel, New England regional manager for SYMCO, the manufacturer’s representative for Utelogy and Biamp adds, “We have received continuous feedback regarding the need for an event such as HETS and believe that this event in Burlington will be a springboard to create more HETS’ in regions with high demand.”
Event registration and further details are here. Leave a Comment
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rAVe Founder Gary Kayye Partners with Almo Pro A/V Launches Informational Webinar Series Focused on Profit and Growth Almo Professional A/V today announced a new educational webinar series for resellers focused on providing tools, tips and specific information necessary to achieve maximum growth and profitability. The year-long series — which begins on March 9 — is being led by Gary Kayye, industry guru and founder of rAVe Publications with participation from guest sponsors. A majority of the sessions are worth valuable InfoComm Renewal Units.
“This series is designed to go beyond the standard webinar format and really dig deep into various topics while providing realistic, tangible ways for our partner community to become more profitable,” said Kelly Marshall, senior marketing manager for Almo Professional A/V. “We chose Gary Kayye to lead this series because of his industry knowledge and ‘no-nonsense’ teaching style, which ensure our webinar participants get the most from these sessions.”
“These will not be your typical product-based webinars,” explained Gary Kayye, founder of rAVe Publications. “When Almo approached me about leading these, I jumped at the opportunity as they wanted the content to be strictly educational and leave each attendee with advice for making money immediately after hanging up. These webinars put products into real-world applications and solutions — not just a new piece of AV gear. I am proud to be part of this series as I think this will set a new bar for every webinar in AV to be informative rather than product-centric.”
The series begins with the following webinars:
March 9: Recurring Revenue Made Easy with Almo Connect Services
Moderated by Gary Kayye; Sponsored by Almo Connect
Tune in as Gary Kayye moderates a panel of key players representing Almo’s new Connect Services. Learn the details of the program, how to instantly change a business strategy with recurring revenue and how to sell this services to customers.
March 30: Encouraging Interaction In the World of Me – Using Interactive LCSs for Productivity
Presented by Gary Kayye, Sponsored by Sharp Pro (CTS RU: 1)
In a world where everyone is buried in their smartphone or engrossed in their tablet, it takes more effort to get people interacting and focused in a meeting. The new generation of interactive LCD displays truly collaborate and connect everyone in the meeting wirelessly. And, they are not only easy to use, but, in many cases, fully eliminate the need for projection. This makes room integration simple and affordable while eliminating the projection cone and still allowing for a manual collaboration space.
April 12 (Part 1 of 2) How to Sell Collaboration with Barco ClickShare
Presented by Gary Kayye, Sponsored by Barco (CTS RU: 1)
Focuses on the business side of how to sell the concept of collaboration and how it applies to customers. Barco ClickShare offers tremendous flexibility when it comes to more effective, streamlined collaboration.
April 14 (Part 2 of 2) Let’s Get Technical: A Deeper Dive into Barco ClickShare
Presented by Gary Kayye, Sponsored by Barco (CTS RU: 1)
Learn the more technical aspects of integrating ClickShare into a variety of applications, the difference in the ClickShare products, and all of the security features that come standard in the latest ClickShare models.
Registration links are with each seminar description or you can go here. Leave a Comment
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Vivitek Ships New DU8090Z Laser-Phosphor ProjectorVivitek announced that the DU8090Z laser projector, using a laser light source spec’d at 20,000 hours of operation time and 8,000 ANSI lumens of brightness. The projector is aimed at installs for conference halls, auditoriums and theaters.
With built-in edge-blending, warping and portrait mode projection with 360 degrees, the Vivitek DU8090Z is a versatile projector, designed for multiple applications. The DU8090Z is native WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution and includes the DLP and BrilliantColor technologies from Texas Instruments. The DU8090Z specs a contrast ratio of 10,000:1.
In addition to the 3D compatibility and a wide range of interchangeable optical lenses, the DU8090Z features a full suite of connectivity options including HDMI 1.4a, DVI-D, component 5BNC, 3G-SDI and HDBaseT interface support for the distribution of HD video contents over a standard CAT5e/6 LAN cable.
Easy to set up and install, the Vivitek DU8090Z has a wide range of interchangeable lenses available to choose from, as well as motorized focus and zoom in addition to horizontal and vertical lens shift for greater installation flexibility and 10 predefined lens positions which are registered in the Lens Position Memory (LPM).
All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Comprehensive Unveils the New 4K HDMI 4×4 Matrix Switcher and ExtenderComprehensive Connectivity just introduced the Pro AV/IT HDBaseT 4K@60 (YUV420) 4×4 Matrix Switcher/Extender with Receivers.
Comprehensive’s CSW-HDBT44K330 Pro AV/IT HDBaseT 4K@60 (YUV420 — or, translation is 4:2:0 @ 60Hz and 4:2:2 at 30Hz) 4×4 Matrix Switcher/Extender (CSW-HDBT44K330) not only offers options to switch up to four HDMI Input and Output sources, but extends the uncompressed audio/video and data sources over a Cat5e/6/7 cable at a distance up to 330 feet away via HDBaseT.
The CSW-HDBT44K330 kit features 4×4 HDBaseT matrix switching reliability with matching compact PoE (Power over Ethernet) Receivers for low form factor behind displays and is controlled through the bi-directional IR, RS232. The CSW-HDBT44K330 is HDMI 2.0 and HCP 2.2 compliant, supports EDID management, supports LPCM 7.1CH, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD Master Audio Transmission and switches any four HDMI inputs to any one of four HDMI outputs.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ED [Education] 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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Everything we publish is opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship publication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition is co-published with CEDIA, covering 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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