Volume 10, Issue 7 — July 8, 2016
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Building a Service Using the Lean Startup Model
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
I recently read The Lean Startup by Eric Ries and could not help but think about how IT and AV could benefit from the processes Ries defines. I particularly found myself thinking of the AV integrators and the struggle that some of them have right now with the small margins they are receiving on equipment. As these companies continue to try and find ways to create new revenue, the Lean Startup is a process they should be familiar with. Firms from the large multi-city designers all the way to the small family-owned integrators may not think of themselves as entrepreneurs — they figure they have a defined product, customers and understand their revenue flow. But the business world is constantly changing — and you need to constantly change as well.
The basic concept of the Lean Startup is when creating a new service or product, you need to take risks, make assumptions and then test those assumptions. Additionally, and maybe most importantly, you don’t spend months building products (or services). Why? Because chances are that what you are building will not be right for your customers. At this point you are probably saying, but I asked my customers what they wanted. Perhaps your customer has even been taking part in helping you build your service. Surprisingly, you don’t need to always listen to your customers. It is likely that your customers don’t even know what service they may be interested in. If they are helping you build a product, they are likely helping you make incremental improvements on a service that already exists. This service is likely provided by many other integrators and therefore provides you very little differentiation, and therefore brings little value to the customer. Instead, you need to build what Ries calls a Minimum Viable Product. That is a product or service that does the absolute basic of what is needed. Then you take the next steps in testing, measuring and adapting.
Ries spends a lot of the book discussing the need for testing and measuring what you are building. This is a critical piece of developing new products. The problem that most companies run into during this process is that they are measuring the wrong things. For example, many firms will measure customer growth and revenue growth. However, they may be missing out on measuring indicators such as repeat customers, or the increase in customers who go from a trial service to a full fledged subscription service. Revenue growth is nice (and important) but overall, continued growth and acceptance of the product is even more important.
A quick example of a Lean Startup process would be how we developed our video conferencing service at Bates. Had we asked what people wanted and built a system around that, we would have a very expensive system that was never used. Rather, we saw a need for conferencing. Typically, these are for job interviews. We started with a webcam connected to the dedicated computer in a conference room. Feedback told us our customers wanted to be able to get more people in the image than the webcam allowed. So, we added an inexpensive PTZ camera. We were using Skype as the software, because that is what most people knew. Again, we measured and received feedback and learned that there were issues with Skype. We made a move to Zoom as the software for video conferencing. Other small changes over time also took place. When we heard issues with audio, we added some different microphones. Now we are hearing feedback that indicates people are interested in high definition cameras. Through this process we developed a system that is used several hundred times per year at a very reasonable cost.
While a book on entrepreneurship may not exactly be on your beach blanket reading list this summer, this particular book would be a great addition. It will help reshape the way you think about developing new products and services for your customers, providing them with more value and you with more business. Leave a Comment
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InfoComm from Afar
By Leonard Suskin Pixel and Ink-Stained Wretch
And… one more quick one post-InfoComm post.
For the second consecutive year, family obligations kept me away from the big show. Last year it was my lovely bride’s recovery from major back surgery; this year was a more joyous occasion as my son graduated pre-school (and yes, this is important; another tradeshow will always come, but each personal milestone happens but once). That said, it’s ever more possible to see things from afar, especially in an industry with so much focus on remote collaboration. Following are my impressions not only of the show, but of the process of seeing the show.
On What I Got to See
We’ve known for a while that IP video is a big theme, and this started to appear pre-show as QSC, Atlona, Key Digital, Clear One, Biamp and RGB Spectrum all announced some form of video over IP devices. QSC lead the charge with a complete product announcement of its IP PTZ camera and USB bridge a week prior to the show, while competitor Biamp teased its Tesira Lux video over AVB product as “TLUX” in an alternate-reality game. Overall, I prefer the straightforward “this is the upcoming product” type of announcement to a vague teaser campaign, but I recognize that I’m not the sole audience.
Some Words On What I Saw
Were I on-site at the show, I’d have been able to pick up some of these devices and see that they were metal boxes (assuming that they weren’t bolted down) and ask questions about them. From afar? I was able to chat on Twitter with Mike Brandes of QSC as well as whoever it is who runs Biamp’s Twitter account. In the discussion of TesiraLux, for example, I learned that the encoders and decoders work as Tesira endpoints only, and only over an AVB network. I learned that the QSC camera generates RTSP and RTP streams in an MJPEG container, which should make it usable with third-party devices.
I also installed Periscope and Snapchat prior to the show; every so often I’d get a cheery whistle from my phone. “rAVePubs is live.” “Michael Shinn is live” and “Biamp is live,” etc, etc. There were periscopes of booth tours. Of interviews. Of the keynote address (on which I commented here). It was in a live stream of a Biamp presentation, for example, that I learned that TLux wouldn’t handle HDCP content until next year — and why. (The reason is that the HDCP 2.2 pro standard is not ratified yet, and that’s the only standard that would allow an arbitrarily large number of displays. It is Biamp’s contention that it’s best to wait for this standard to be ratified to avoid releasing products which do not conform to the current rules. That is not a bad argument.)
Periscope was useful in seeing what was going on as, to an extent, is Snapchat. As so much of what is discussed around a show is ephemera, SC’s format tends to work. The best part, for me, were “stories” — scraps of video or images which can be watched an arbitrary number of times over the course of a day. There were some great ones — including from rAVe — that somewhat captured the scale and energy of the space. I’m still getting the hang of using Snapchat to actually chat; I’d oft read a message without responding to it, close the chat window, then forget what the person said! I’ll perhaps say more about that format in a later post.
On What I Missed
Systems technologies are easy to evaluate through discussion, reading of specs and press announcements, and watching interviews. For display and audio technologies it is less easy to do so. On that note, I feel that I missed something in not getting to see the Sony Canvas display about which everyone was raving, though I did see an excellent interview from rAVe’s own Gary Kayye highlighted by an actual explanation of how the technology works and what makes it so impressive. Still, I’d like to have seen it for myself. That’s something one just can’t get from a spec sheet, webcast or anything else remote.
I also missed a chance to see trends in selection of content, peripherals and how booths were set up. Which product class got the most attention and most booth space? What kinds of applications were manufacturers leaning toward? That’s easier to gauge by walking around. One note I did get (from my good friend Corey Moss) is that Logitech’s PTZ cameras showed up in several booths to showcase collaboration technologies. This says something about their perceived position in the commercial AV space, and is the kind of thing that it’s easiest to notice in person. Of course, the next best thing to being there in person is knowing smart people who are there as well.
Trade Show Fun, Trade Show Silliness
It’s nice being able to engage with or dodge silly tradeshow games as you wish to. On the show floor, I prefer to focus on the actual technology; I find Draper’s “Find the seam in our large format screen” to be a far more interesting booth game to me than Da-Lite’s “challenge Da-Lite Man to a pull-up contest.” Your mileage, of course, may vary. While I miss some of the silliness, I don’t miss the crowds that gather for giveaways, drinks and games.
All that said, next year I do hope to join in the festivities in Orlando. I’m just glad that technology lets us be there even when we can’t.
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LAB GRUPPEN’s Smallest LUCIA Amplifiers DebutFollowing on the launch of LUCIA 70 V output models during last year’s InfoComm show, LAB GRUPPEN is set to unveil three new LUCIA 60-watt power models at InfoComm in Las Vegas: LUCIA 60/2M, LUCIA 60/2 and LUCIA 60/1-70. Available with either four-in, four-out matrix-mixer (LUCIA 60/2M), two-in, two-out configuration (LUCIA 60/2) or two-in, one-out for the 70-volt model (LUCIA 60/1-70), all with configurable DSP features like the equivalent larger models.
All are Energy Star compliant and after 20 minutes of no signal input, the amplifiers’ automatically enter standby mode and power up within one second when signal returns. Additionally LUCIA incorporate intelligent fan control where it provides silent operation in idle and lower output levels.
LUCIA’s form factor is a half-rack 1U chassis and it mounts behind monitors using the included wall bracket, tucks away in rack shelves or drawers, or attaches to the optional pole mount.
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ViewSonic Debuts New Series of Laser Phosphor-Based Digital Projectors at InfoComm ViewSonic introduces its new line of laser phosphor-based projectors for a bright and immersive experience for home entertainment, education, and business applications. The LS810, LS820, and LS830, of LS Series of projectors feature 0.25 ultra-short throw lenses, up to 20,000 hours of operation, 100,000:1 contrast ratio, 3D-ready capabilities, and PortAll – a hidden MHL/HDMI port that lets you discreetly stream multimedia content from a mobile device to the projector via a wireless dongle.
Designed for business and education environments where high ambient light can be an issue, the ViewSonic LS810 and LS830 ultra-short throw projectors feature high brightness levels at 4,000 lumens. With the company’s proprietary SuperColor and SonicExpert technologies, these projectors deliver advanced color and enhanced sound reproduction. The LS810 is a native WXGA-based projector, and the LS830 boasts native Full HD 1080p resolution. Both projectors are engineered with flexible connectors including dual 3D Blu-Ray ready HDMI inputs, HDMI/MHL, Component, S-Video, RGB, VGA, RS232 and RJ45. Featuring a smart and intuitive design, both laser projectors are network capable for easy installation across multiple rooms or locations.
With the LS820, ViewSonic delivers a Full HD 1080p, ultra-short throw projector for stunning home entertainment. The LS820 features an RGBRGB color wheel with Rec. 709 calibration for accurate color rendering. The LS820 features 3000 lumens of brightness; along with SuperColor color reproduction and SonicExpert sound enhancement technologies that bring home entertainment to life. It also comes with a number of connectors including dual 3D Blu-Ray ready HDMI inputs, Component, S-Video, RGB, VGA, RS232 and RJ45.
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Atlona Unveils OmniStream, IP-Based AV Distribution Line with Dual-Channel 4K/UHD Encoder and Decoder Atlona today launched OmniStream, its first line of networked AV products designed for integrating and distributing 4K/UHD video, audio and RS-232 control over Gigabit Ethernet networks. Consisting of five products, the OmniStream line features high density, dual-channel encoding and decoding; redundant AV networks and streams; encrypted content distribution; network error resilience; broadcast-quality 4K video compression with very low latency; and the ability to convey 4K video and Dante audio simultaneously over the same network.
The OmniStream line comprises the following products:
- AT-OMNI-111 Single-Channel Networked AV Encoder
- AT-OMNI-112 Dual-Channel Networked AV Encoder
- AT-OMNI-121 Single-Channel Networked AV Decoder
- AT-OMNI-122 Dual-Channel Networked AV Decoder
- AT-OMNI-232 Dual-Channel Dante Networked Audio Interface
Dual-channel encoding and decoding allows each AT-OMNI-112 and AT-OMNI-122 to process two independent 4K/UHD video streams in a single, half-width rack enclosure. The dual-channel components can also be configured for system redundancy, with each encoder and decoder handling two simultaneous streams of the same HDMI source. The two independent streams are encoded and decoded simultaneously, and when a physical or logical connection fault is detected in a primary stream, the decoder automatically switches over to the back-up.
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Studio Technologies Adds to Dante Offerings with the Model 374 Intercom BeltpackStudio Technologies introduces the new Model 374 Intercom Beltpack — a portable, four-channel intercom. The Model 374 incorporates Dante Audio-over-Ethernet network media technology to support a wide range of applications from sports and entertainment TV to radio events, streaming broadcasts, corporate and government AV installations and post-production facilities.
The Model 374’s key features include four independent talk and listen channels, configurable button operating modes, flexible audio-to-phones routing and power-over-Ethernet (PoE) powering. The Model 374 Intercom Beltpack starts with the features found in traditional party-line (PL) intercom user devices and adds a range of new user benefits, including the advanced performance and capabilities that Dante Audio-over-Ethernet capability provides. Multiple Model 374 units can be used in PL intercom applications over a standard IP network in conjunction with an external Dante-enabled audio matrix. Units can also be used “point-to-point” or directly interfaced with ports on compatible matrix intercom systems.
An etherCON RJ45 jack is used to interconnect with a PoE-enabled twisted-pair Ethernet port associated with a local-area network (LAN). This connection provides both power and bidirectional digital audio. A broadcast or intercom-style stereo or monaural headset with a dynamic microphone connects to the Model 374 via a 5-pin XLR connector. DIP switches and a software-based configuration section are used to establish the unit’s operating parameters.
Key user features can be easily configured, including preamplifier gain, independent talk button operation and individual-channel headphone signal routing. Additional features include integrated sidetone, remote microphone off and monitor-only headphone modes.
While configuration ease and flexibility are central to the Model 374, audio quality remains front and center. A low-noise, wide dynamic-range microphone preamplifier and associated dynamics controller (compressor) ensures that audio quality is preserved. The output of the microphone preamp and compressor is routed to an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) section that supports a sampling rate of 48 kHz with a bit depth of 24.
The Model 374 introduction complements Studio Technologies’ Model 370 and 380 beltpacks that were recently introduced at NAB 2016. Like the 374, these products leverage the power of Dante and standard LAN networking to offer exciting new ways to meet the needs of sports and broadcast applications.
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Earthworks Debuts FMLR FlexMic Podium Microphones With LED Light RingEarthworks has expanded its FlexMic Series of podium microphones to include the FMLR models, which feature a single color LED light ring at the top of the microphone. The LED light ring can be programmed via an external media control system to indicate on/off status. The FMLR microphones are available with either a green or red LED light ring.
The FMLR models feature a fully flexible gooseneck and are available in 13 and 19 inch versions, while the FMRLR models have a rigid center with flex at both ends and are available in 19, 23 and 27 inch lengths. All FlexMic models are available with either a cardioid or hypercardioid polar pattern and feature a slim 7mm diameter gooseneck, providing a low profile miking solution.
The FMLR Series FlexMics utilize Earthworks’ patented polar technology, which allows orators to move as much as 70 degrees off-axis on either side, as well as above or below the mic while maintaining the same pristine sound quality with high intelligibility.
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Audio-Technica Expands Dante Product Offerings with Ceiling-Mount Microphone SolutionsAudio-Technica has introducing two new Dante-enabled ceiling-mount microphone solutions: the ATND931 Dante six-inch gooseneck microphone and ATND933 Dante hanging microphone – both available in a number of configurations, including black and white color options and a selection of three polar patterns (cardioid, hypercardioid and MicroLine). All configurations come standard with the new ATND8734 Microphone Ceiling Mount Power Module with Dante Network Output, offering a simple and cost-effective solution for integrating these new microphones with a Dante network without the need for a separate, standalone audio interface.
The ATND931 and ATND933 join the ATND8677 Microphone Desk Stand and ATND971 Network Boundary Microphone, the world’s first wired microphone products to transmit both audio and control data using the Dante network protocol. A simple Ethernet connection allows these microphones (powered by network PoE) to communicate across an existing network of Dante-enabled devices.
The ATND8734 Ceiling-Mount Power Module with Dante Network Output is designed to be permanently installed in a U.S. standard metal 2-gang electrical box, and comes equipped with an 80 Hz low-cut UniSteep filter, selectable for a flat response or low-frequency roll-off, as well as a three-position input gain level selector (+30 dB, +40 dB, and +50 dB) and green/red LEDs. All features may be configured and controlled remotely via third-party software. Audio-Technica has been working closely with industry-leading DSP manufacturers including Biamp, Symetrix and Bose to ensure Dante-compatible logic and remote control software integration for simple, flexible operation without the need for additional cabling.
An RJ45 connector provides plug-and-play access to the Dante audio network over CAT5e (or better) cable. The power module’s circular cover plate, which may be painted with commercially available spray paint.
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SVS SoundPath Pivoting Wall/Ceiling Bracket SVS has announced a new SoundPath pivoting wall and ceiling bracket. Using a flexible ball and clamp design, the SoundPath Pivoting Wall/Ceiling Bracket allow it to rotate 360°, pan 180° and tilt beyond 30°. No matter where it’s placed, an installed speaker can be adjusted to fire directly at the listening area for the most immersive and realistic audio experience possible.
The SVS SoundPath Pivoting Wall/Ceiling Bracket features a wide variety of mounting hardware and works with nearly any brand or model of speaker up to 7.7 lbs. All bracket hardware and components are constructed of durable cast aluminum and high density ABS for secure, long-term use.
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AVerMedia Announces AVerCaster HD Duet Plus F239+ Dual Channel High Quality Video Encoder AVerMedia has announced the AVerCaster HD Duet Plus F239+, a dual channel video encoder allowing two independent Full HD video streams to be broadcast or recorded at the same time. The F239+ is a broadcast video encoder that takes one or two HDMI or component video sources up to 1920×1080 Full HD resolution and can encode two independent video streams of similar or varying bitrates for broadcast or recording. With its powerful dual H.264 High-Profile codecs, it allows live Full HD Video to be simultaneously broadcast and recorded at higher quality for VoD playback, multicasting and support for popular streaming services providers as well as Facebook Live allows live video from the F239+ to be broadcast to a virtually unlimited number of viewers.
Dual H.264 codecs and Gigabit Ethernet ports allow the F239+ to simultaneously live broadcast two independent video streams at Full HD quality in Duet mode, allowing for instance, multiple angles live streaming.
Alternatively in Recording mode, one encoder can be used for streaming video, while the other simultaneously records the same input source for backup or VoD playback. With two independent codecs, bitrates can be adjusted separately for each output to account for network bandwidth or higher quality VoD content.
Finally, Splitter mode allows a single stream to be broadcast at different bitrates or to support different protocols and service providers.
The F239+ is easily portable and has dual HDMI and component input allowing it to easily receive video from a variety of video sources such as TV set-top boxes, camcorders or electronic white boards. With the H.264 codec and multicasting support, a single F239+ can easily provide single or dual video streaming services to a virtually unlimited number of viewers over an intranet or internet with minimal network bandwidth usage.
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Extron Ships Small Two Channel Amplifier for High Impedance Systems Extron is shipping the Extron XTRA Series XPA 1002-70V, a half rack 1U, convection cooled power amplifier delivering two channels of 100 watts rms for 70 volt distributed speakers. This professional grade amplifier features a 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.1 percent THD+N specifications. The XPA 1002-70V is an ENERGY STAR qualified amplifier with an Extron exclusive, highly efficient, advanced Class D amplifier design. It also features patented CDRS – Class D Ripple Suppression technology that provides a smooth, clean audio waveform and an improvement in signal fidelity over conventional Class D amplifiers. The XPA 1002-70V is housed in a half rack width metal enclosure, conserving rack space and weighing only 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg). The Extron exclusive, high efficiency design generates very little heat and allows the amplifier to be convection cooled.
The XPA 1002-70V ENERGY STAR qualified amplifier is an energy efficient product that conserves energy and reduces costs. It includes an auto power-down feature that automatically places the amplifier into standby after a period of inactivity, and consumes just 10 watts when idle and less than 1 watt in standby mode. The amplifier also has an ultra low inrush current draw to prevent power circuit overload that occurs when multiple amplifiers are switched on simultaneously. This feature eliminates the need for power sequencing in systems with multiple amplifiers in large centralized equipment racks, and prevents other equipment from experiencing power interruption from associated power surges. The XPA 1002-70V is housed in a compact 1U, half rack width enclosure and is UL 2043 plenum rated when used with the optional Flexible Conduit Adapter Kit. This allows for a concealed installation above a drop ceiling to prevent theft while providing convenient placement of AV equipment.
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Small Controller for Extron Quantum Videowall Processors Ships Extron is now shipping its QC 101 E and QC 101 C, dedicated controllers for Quantum Elite and Quantum Connect videowall processors. They feature a small form factor enclosure, with an embedded operating system and Quantum Control Software preinstalled on a solid state drive. The QC 101 offers an alternative to a traditional PC that is compact, reliable, easy to install, and easy to use. Quantum processor configurations can be programmed on the QC 101, or on a standard PC and then migrated to the QC 101. A display, keyboard, and mouse connect to the QC 101 for setup and configuration, and can be removed after system commissioning. The QC 101 easily integrates with a control system to provide simplified videowall operation. For large videowalls, up to eight Quantum Elite processors can be controlled from a single QC 101 E through a network switch.
The Extron Quantum Elite is an HDCP-compliant, scalable, expandable videowall processor configurable to support a variety of input, output, and windowing capabilities. The Quantum Elite offers two card cages that support various combinations of input and output cards for 3G-SDI, HDMI, DVI, RGB, HDTV or video sources. Each HDMI or DVI-I dual output card supports up to 128 video/graphic source windows, and multiple Quantum Elite card cages can be cascaded to create very large display arrays.The Extron Quantum Connect 82 and Quantum Connect 84 are HDCP-compliant videowall processors that deliver the same high quality video scaling, windowing capability, and reliable, real-time performance as Extron’s flagship Quantum Elite processors. Quantum Connect is ideal for videowalls with two to four displays, delivering powerful, highly versatile video processing with flexible windowing capabilities. Both Quantum Elite and Quantum Connect feature high performance video scaling technology capable of producing superior quality upscaled and downscaled images.
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BenQ’s InstaShow is Wireless Presentation System — But Requires BOTH HDMI and USB ConnectionsBenQ America today announced its InstaShow WDC10, a presentation system that wirelessly connects a user’s computer to a central display or projector. With the touch of a button, the meeting collaboration system allows up to eight participants to share their laptop on a connected projector.
The InstaShow WDC10 is compatible with all operating systems and any display with an HDMI port including projectors, flat panels and monitors. Sharing via WLAN standard 802.11ac networks, the WDC10 requires both an HDMI and USB 3.0 connection to the user’s device and the screen.
The InstaShow WDC10 kit consists of two transmitters, which connect via HDMI and USB 3.0 to the participants’ laptop or tablet device, and a receiver that connects via HDMI to the room’s display or projection device. Up to eight transmitters can simultaneously connect wirelessly to the receiver. Featuring latency of less than 0.1 seconds, the InstaShow WDC10 transmits content and audio from a participant’s device to the display.
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Catchbox Is Proof that Simplicity (and Creativity) MattersThere’s no mic that’s simpler than the Catchbox – literally a crowd-microphone that is housed in a custom box that you throw around a room to allow attendees to actively participate in a meeting by asking questions (and mic’ing them so the rest of the room can hear them. The mic quality is decent, but the concept is PERFECT! Make a mic that’s a novelty in a meeting – you can throw it, it automatically turns itself on and off at the right moments and make it customizable for the client. Check it out here.
Catchbox was a hit with InfoComm attendees in every meeting I attended, participated in and with attendees walking around the show floor — but mic powerhouses Sennheiser and Shure weren’t impressed. But rental companies will eat this up!
Really? Was it really popular? Well, Catchbox created the world’s first throwable wireless microphone and provided 12 of its throwable devices at InfoComm 2016. And InfoComm themselves loved it:
Chuck Espinoza, InfoComm Staff Instructor and Certified Technology Specialist in Design and Installation, CTS-D & CTS-I, commented: “I would say we had 10 to 15 times more student engagement than last year when we weren’t using Catchbox for our educational sessions. The fact that I could look to a student who was hesitant to participate, and throw the mic to them made a huge difference. They could answer, and throw it to the next person in line. It was no longer an interaction between just me and one attendee – it wasn’t ping pong any more, it was volleyball.”
The unique Catchbox device, created in Finland by entrepreneurs, Timo Kauppila, Pyry Taanila and Mikelis Studers in 2012, already has thousands of people talking with its ability to give a voice to audiences of all sizes. The company has recently expanded its EU and North America operation to Australia and New Zealand in response to demand from event organizers in the region.
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Crestron HD Scaler and Auto-Switcher Aimed at Huddle Rooms Crestron is now shipping the HD Scaling Presentation Switcher & Extender (HD-MD-400-C-E) aimed at huddle rooms, huddle spaces, and small meeting rooms applications. Integrated with a 4×1 auto-switcher and extender pair, the HD-MD-400-C-E provides signal extension up to 230 feet, a built-in scaler, automatic switching for HD resolutions up to 2K (aka 1080p), display control and Ethernet connectivity.
The transmitter, which can be mounted under a table or inside a podium for easy connection to laptops, mobile devices, and other media sources and includes HDMI, VGA, and analog audio inputs. The receiver, mounted behind the room display or above a projector, includes an additional HDMI input for connection to a Crestron AirMedia presentation gateway, enabling wireless BYOD presentation capability.
Integrators connect the LAN port on the receiver to the Ethernet network for easy setup and configuration via a Web browser. Essential controls and status indicators are also provided on each unit for easy testing and troubleshooting without a computer during installation.
With its built-in Ethernet connectivity, the HD-MD-400-C-E can be connected to the new AVF Hub, which facilitates communication between Crestron Fusion Cloud enterprise management service and up to 15 rooms, without a control system or programming. This enables technology managers to easily deploy, manage, and support simple room systems over the network without a control system, and at an amazingly low cost per room. Multiple AVF Hubs can be deployed throughout the enterprise.
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WolfVision Adds Support for Chromecast Screen Mirroring to Cynap WolfVision today announced the immediate worldwide release of new firmware version v1.06 for its vSolution Cynap collaboration system. In addition to the existing screen mirroring support for AirPlay, and Miracast, the new update now adds support for Chromecast screen mirroring, enabling wireless screen mirroring for up to four Android/Chrome OS devices at the same time. Cynap is currently the only collaboration system that offers the possibility for comprehensive wireless, app-free, dongle-free screen mirroring for all iOS, Android, Windows and Mac devices.
In addition to the introduction of Chromecast mirroring, the new firmware version also adds WebRTC webconferencing capability, and a dual screen mode to Cynap. In network environments where the Bonjour service (device discovery protocol) is disabled, it is now possible for iOS devices to search for Cynap manually, before connecting in the usual way via AirPlay.
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Epson Now Shipping Pro G7000-Series Large Venue ProjectorsEpson today announced the new Epson Pro G7000-Series large venue projectors are now shipping. The new Pro G7000-Series features 8,000 lumens of color brightness and 8,000 lumens of white brightness and is the world’s first zero-offset ultra short-throw lens with 0.35 throw ratio. Perfect for digital signage applications as well as large venues like auditoriums, lecture halls and board rooms, the complete line of Pro G7000-Series projectors includes Pro G7905U, Pro G7500U, Pro G7400U, Pro G7200W, Pro G7000W, Pro G7805 and Pro G7100 models.
Other features include:
- Ten Optional Interchangeable Lenses: Increased installation flexibility allows users to choose the motorized lens most suited for their environment; variety of ranges include an ultra short-throw, two short-throw, one wide-throw, four middle-throw and one long-throw. A quick-release lever enables fast, easy lens exchange.
- Versatile Connectivity: Supports the full range of inputs, including HDBaseT, SDI, HDMI, DVI-D, VGA and 5-BNC, for easy integration with any system.
- Ready for Integration: Supports Crestron, AMX, Extron, and Control4 protocols for easy and simple integration into existing systems. Select models also support Art-Net by DMX for lighting control for staging applications.
- Emulation: Emulates the control codes of other major projector brands for easy upgrade to Epson projectors without the need to reprogram existing control systems.
- 4K Enhancement Technology: A revolutionary technology that accepts 4K signal and improves 1080p experience for movies4. Available on select models.
- Dynamic Projection Capabilities: Advanced built-in edge blending, image warping and curved-surface correction technologies allow for a variety of applications.
- Collaboration Features: With Split Screen function5, two different sources can be projected side-by-side, and free Epson Moderator software allows up to 50 Windows, Mac, iOS or Android devices to be connected over the network with up to four of them displayed on the screen simultaneously.
- Professional Installation Features: Full 360-degree installation flexibility, including Portrait Mode, allow for a wide range of applications, including simulators, mapping, digital signage and command centers.
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Extron Shipping the AV Industry’s First 4K/60 @ 4:4:4 HDMI Scalers Extron is already shipping the DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A and DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi, the AV industry’s first scalers that can process single-path 4K/60 video signals at 4:4:4. HDCP 2.2 compliant HDMI 2.0 inputs and outputs support data rates up to 18 Gbps. The scalers incorporate Extron’s Vector 4K scaling engine, developed internally by Extron’s team of signal processing engineers. The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi provides the added flexibility of scaling and managing 4K/60 as a dual path signal. Integrator-friendly features include on-screen display, stereo audio embedding and de-embedding, internal test patterns, and the ability to display custom on-screen images and logos.
The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A has a single HDMI input and output that support resolutions up to 4096×2160 at 60 Hz. The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi features a pair of HDMI inputs and outputs. The additional input and output allow integration with source devices and displays that support 4K as two columns. The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi can also accept two matched-resolution inputs for side-by-side display on a single screen, or provide duplicate outputs for driving a pair of displays.
In addition to 4K signal integration and processing capabilities, these scalers offer several features that enhance and simplify AV system integration. Custom images can be displayed as a screen saver, HDCP notification or corporate branding. An image can also be displayed as a logo with full position and keying control. The DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A and DSC HD-HD 4K Plus A xi also feature essential audio integration capabilities, including discrete, selectable analog and digital audio muting, input gain and attenuation, and output volume control.
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Fulcrum Acoustic Unveils New CS118 Subcardioid SubwooferFulcrum Acoustic has introduced the CS118 Subcardioid Subwoofer module. Featuring a single, high-power 18-inch direct radiating woofer in a rugged, compact enclosure, the CS118 is specifically designed for permanent installation in a wide range of applications and venues, including performing arts centers, houses of worship, sporting facilities, and nightclubs.
Incorporating Fulcrum’s patent-pending Passive Cardioid Technology, the CS118 claims to dramatically reduce excessive rear low frequency radiation by up to 10dB without the need for additional drivers, amplifiers, or signal processing. Its subcardioid pattern is created via a highly refined acoustical circuit balancing the LF driver’s position with the enclosure’s depth and volume, as well as meticulously designed rear ports incorporating a precisely calibrated resistive element.
The CS118 combines Fulcrum’s proprietary TQ processing with the most innovative designs in acoustical circuitry to deliver exacting pattern control, unequalled performance and precision transient response, even at the highest SPLs.
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Tascam iXR is for iOS Tascam announced a new interface for the iPad and iPhone — for music and recording apps — the all-new iXR USB Audio/MIDI interface with iOS connectivity.
Designed to allow mobile devices to be used in professional audio applications, the iXR is a full featured “Made for iPad” PC/Mac USB audio interface that also delivers direct connectivity to your iPhone and iPad via the standard iOS Lightning or 30-pin connector, without the need for special adapters or flimsy mini-plugs. It features two of TASCAM’s Ultra-HDDA mic preamps with phantom power, mic and instrument-level inputs, zero-latency monitoring, MIDI in and out and supports up to 96kHz/24-bit resolution.
With balanced stereo outputs, the iXR is also the perfect bridge between an iPad and a professional quality concert sound system. As virtual instrument apps have evolved to deliver features and performance that meets, and even exceeds the most advanced synthesizers.
Recording to your iOS device is easier as it’s bundled with Cubase LE for Mac and Windows, as well as Cubasis LE for iOS. Simply connect a microphone or instrument and record vocals and live instruments directly to your iPad, iPhone, Mac or PC with zero-latency direct monitoring.
TheTASCAM iXR will list for $259.99 and here’s more information. Leave a Comment
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PureLink Debuts Video Over IP System, Part of PureStream LinePureLink has announced the addition the VIP Series Video Over IP Solutions to its PureStream product line. The VIP Series is designed to provide the simple addition of HDMI video, audio, RS232, IR and USB extension, as well as matrix switching capabilities to local and wide-area network systems. The VIP-100 Tx/Rx and VIP-200 Tx/Rx extenders, combined with the intuitive VPX Control Server Software, offer a complete A/V distribution and management solution that is easy to implement and operate over existing IP networks. The system allows for distribution of up to 1080p at 60Hz over IP.
Featuring a browser interface, the VPX software provides users with the flexibility to access the application on any Wi-Fi enabled tablet regardless of the OS. The VIP Series delivers an ideal solution for a variety of applications including higher education and digital signage distribution in retail and event venues.
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