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Click above for more information Welcome to another edition of rAVe! In my last installment of “Project Specs Are Dead,” I discussed how projection specifications used to be paramount in making decisions and I gave you a history of why that was true (http://www.ravehome.com/issues/2008/02/rhvol5iss4/index.html#edit). If you are a Star Wars fan, like I am, you won’t even believe the product I found. You can read about it (and drool about it) below. I am working on getting a review unit – any Lucas PR employees reading this?? Enjoy the issue! –Gary Kayye, CTS Click above for more information
Editorial You can read Part 1 at http://www.ravehome.com/issues/2008/02/rhvol5iss4/index.html#edit If you read my previous column about this, then you know my hypothesis is that no matter what projector manufacturers do and say with the marketing of their specifications, the only thing that matters today is service. The ONLY differentiator in the future will be SERVICE. So, what is GOOD service? Let’s take a look at BAD service and I think that what’s good will be understood. Field Sales: Ever wonder what the heck happened to field sales forces in the display industry? I’ll tell you what – margins drove many projector manufacturers out of the support market. Most projector manufacturers used to have field sales forces (mostly regionally based – some vertical market based) that were on the road 24/7/365 calling on dealers and consultants making sure they had what they needed to support and specify their products. Now, only a handful of companies still have them. To be honest, you can’t totally blame the projector manufacturers for this. Ultimately, they forced their own demise by playing the “street price” game (first initiated by Proxima in 1999), but not all of them are at fault. Proxima may have started it, but the fact that Toshiba, InFocus, NEC and Sony emulated that street price game meant that the pricing for all projectors was driven down – remember, in reality, there are only a handful of projector manufacturers making all the projectors for all 40 or so companies. So, pricing, market-wide, was driven down. So, a lack of field service personnel has driven DOWN service among many of the projector manufacturers out there. Product Support: What continues to amaze me – even now – is the lack of product knowledge many of the manufacturers have on their own products. Just test this one out. Randomly call any projector manufacturer and ask them, “What does HDMI 1.3a mean?”. OK, that may not be fair as you probably don’t even know why you need to know that, so let’s try something they’ve been touting for years as a key buying decision factor: ANSI lumens. Call them and ask, “What exactly is ANSI lumens and what’s the standard for measuring it?” Now, that’s a fair question. They are touting ANSI lumens as a key specification for buying a projector so they should know that one – but most won’t. But, it doesn’t stop there. Do they know what accessories go with their projectors? Is a mount included or not? What’s the lens throw ratio? The list goes on and on. So, a lack of product knowledge has driven DOWN service among many of the projector manufacturers out there. Basic Service: Have you noticed how hard it is now to get basic service, install and even sales questions answered by some projector manufacturers now? It’s like trying to get support from Microsoft – transfer after transfer after transfer. But, there are a few out there that are awesome: Christie Digital, DPI and NEC are, by far, the best on the planet right now. They have humans that answer the phone! And, that’s all it really takes. In this day and age of computerized everything, it’s nice to talk to a person – especially one that actually knows the product their getting paid to support, huh? So, as you decide whom to align yourself with in the future – as the market gets bigger and bigger, consider NOT considering specifications and consider service and support well before anything else! With a good sales rep, you’ll be directed to the right specifications for the install anyway. Reprinted with permission from Sound & Communications. Founded in 1955, Sound & Communications is the premiere magazine for AV systems integrators, contractors and consultants. To subscribe or read sample articles, go to http://www.soundandcommunications.com. Click above for more information
Just Three Weeks Until Registration opens! The buzz, the anticipation, the excitement … its CEDIA EXPO 2008 time!! Believe it or not, it’s that time of year again, and preparation for the #1 residential electronic systems contractor show is in full swing. 3 Weeks Until … CEDIA is preparing to host its third and final CEDIA EXPO at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO – September 3-7! For 2008, CEDIA has added some new initiatives to benefit our members and the industry through education, networking, and special events. See why CEDIA EXPO 2008 is BETTER than Ever: –14 FREE courses for CEDIA members across all five CEDIA University Colleges –CEDIA’s all-new Registered Outreach Instructor “Train the Trainer” course –Reduced onsite pricing for CEDIA University education –Access to FREE courseware online (View details) –CEDIA Keynote Speaker: World-renowned economist & best-selling author Todd Buchholz –Over 100 hours of Manufacturer Product Training (View training offered) –Over 500 exhibitors on the tradeshow floor (View current exhibitor list) –Opportunity to offset airline travel emissions through With registration only 3 weeks away, make your plans now! Register early and see the savings! Look for more details in your EXPO registration brochure or visit www.cedia.org/expo.
Upcoming Events CEDIA University constantly strives to keep residential electronic systems contractors knowledgeable, productive, and competent. May and June are very busy for CEDIA University education offerings – Click on the links below to find out which course is right for you!
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Digital TV Arriving Early in NC Town A North Carolina city will serve as the first crash test dummy when the town’s TV signals switch from analog to all-digital format in September. The FCC announced that beginning at noon September 8, five local stations in Wilmington will go all digital five months ahead of the February transition. The FCC says the commercial broadcasters serving the Wilmington television market have voluntarily agreed to participate. These include WWAY (ABC), WSFX-TV (FOX), WECT (NBC), WILM-LP (CBS), and W51CW (Trinity Broadcasting). The Commission identified Wilmington as one of a limited number of potential test markets to test the transition because all the commercial stations in the market have already completed construction of their DTV channels and are operating at full post-transition power. The Wilmington PBS station, WUNJ, will continue broadcasting in both analog and digital. One other low power station has its digital channel assignment, but will continue broadcasting an analog signal. They are going to use this timeframe to work with broadcasters, viewers, cable companies and others who will be affected to anticipate and address any problems, and they are coordinating with NTIA and local retailers to be sure that digital-to-analog converter boxes are readily available in local stores for consumers who rely on over-the-air service and have analog televisions. And, off we go! For more information, go to http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-282032A1.doc
Matsushita, Pioneer to Merge Plasma Production Businesses rAVe recently reported that Pioneer was getting out of the plasma panel production business and would instead, likely source it from elsewhere, and probably Matsushita. Now, Pioneer and Matsushita pulled a surprise move on the industry by announcing the two companies will merge their plasma businesses starting next year. According to MarketWatch, they’ll put their R&D and production into one single unit. For more information, go to http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/matsushita-pioneer-merge-plasma-panel/story.aspx?guid=%7BE1C029B0-AC92-4F51-B083-A948DD9AD42F%7D&dist=hplatest
Pacific Media Associates Announces Dealer Survey Results for Front Projection Manufacturers Planar, Mitsubishi and Eiki are among the overall top-rated projector manufacturers in North America, according to the newly-released results of Pacific Media Associates’ Dealer Survey. This is the 12th annual survey from the organization and the survey was done at the end of 2007. Interesting to note that Planar just announced cut-backs and layoffs following bad financial performance, yet, they’re a leader. If you read the following quote, you’ll see exactly what rAVe has been urging for years now – that the selling of boxes is not enough: “The market for front projectors was even more challenging during 2007 than in previous years. With all the competition, manufacturers have had to do more than just make good products. They had to provide outstanding sales, marketing, and technical support programs,” said Michael Abramson, who directs Pacific Media’s research on front projectors and was project manager for the Dealer Survey. The survey ranks 25 aspects of marketing support, products, and after-sale support according to their importance to dealers. Dealers then rated their key suppliers on each of these aspects. Ratings were based on a scale of 1 (very poor) to 5 (very good). Manufacturers with high scores on the more important aspects posted higher overall composite scores than those who scored well on less-important aspects. The report includes numerical ratings for each manufacturer for each aspect. This data can help manufacturers learn whether efforts to improve certain aspects are yielding results, and to see where they lag behind their competitors. In addition to these three awards, a special award is being given to the top-rated brand in Product Quality/Reliability which, by the way, was listed by dealers as the most important of the 25 rated aspects. That node went to NEC Display Solutions. Also, Sanyo came out on top for products and Epson for after-sale support. For more information, go to http://www.pacificmediaassociates.com/
Free Whitepaper Indicates Increasing Adoption of IP Consumer Devices Adoption of an Internet Protocol (IP) interface is growing across virtually all TV-oriented consumer electronics devices, according to a new whitepaper recently released by MultiMedia Intelligence. Device manufacturers of IPTV, cable, and satellite set-top boxes, video game consoles, Blu-ray DVD players, audio devices, digital media adapters and a new class of Internet-enabled TVs are adding an IP connection to their boxes. By 2012, MultiMedia Intelligence projects over 217 million Internet-enabled consumer electronics will be shipping annually. The paper, called “IP-Enabled Consumer Electronics: Semiconductors, Service Providers and Content Complete the Ecosystem,” explains that incorporating IP isn’t enough — the complete ecosystem involves the underlying semiconductor technologies, the equipment, telecom operators and compelling content and services. For more information, go to http://multimediaintelligence.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=72&Itemid=1
First Hitachi UltraThin TVs Ship Hitachi began rollouts of the UltraThin TVs, which rAVe first covered just after CES. These 1.5-inch thin TVs will come in a wide range of sizes but shipping now are the 32-inch UT32X802 ($1,999) and 37-inch UT37902 ($2,999) with the 42-inch UT42902 ($3,699) planned for shipment this month. The entire line was shown, and the shipping dates and pricing were announced, at the recent Hitachi Annual Dealer Show. The UltraThin TVs will be available up to 47 inches at up to $4,699, and the rollout continues through the fall. For more information, go to http://www.hitachi.us
New 46-Inch Outdoor LCD From SunBriteTV SunBriteTV announced a new all-weather outdoor LCD TV, the 4610HD. This is specified at 1080p resolution and 2000:1 contrast ratio. SunBriteTV says they also designed a watertight cable entry system and cable pass-through with hook-up to a wide selection of video inputs, including two HDMI cables, component, VGA, S-video, composite, RF, RS232 serial, and discrete IR control. The operating controls are also sealed against rain and moisture. The screen is protected by an anti-reflective, impact and scratch-resistant window that is built into the exterior. For more information, go to http://www.sunbritetv.com/
Wardrobe Built With Integrated TV Italy-based Presotto is making a home wardrobe piece that has a television built into a sliding and projecting door. The connecting wires are run through the inside part of the door so that the wires aren’t tangled when opening or closing the door. How, exactly, the wires and cabes aren’t stressed from repeated movement isn’t clear, but if they’ve accomplished that, then cool! To see the product, go to http://www.presottoitalia.it/en/Products/Wardrobes/Tecnopolis%20Sliding%20with%20Dama_Tv.aspx
Maybe Gary’s Favorite Product – Ever There has been no product ever before that combined someone’s passion for AV and Star Wars. Although it’s not the best HDTV option for a portable HD projector, it’s got the “wow” and “cool” factor going for it like no other product ever. After reading the specs below, you’ve got to go watch the promo video on it to totally understand the value of it! Check out the video at http://www.nikkoamerica.com/nhe/dvd_projector_video.html This 25-inch high replica of R2-D2, (a walking, talking remote controlled projector) is actually a DLP-based projector with a CD/DVD player built in! It also plays MP3/MP4, is an iPod docking station, FM wireless out, and has memory card and USB slot. AND, it has a built-in 20 watt stereo speaker system. The projector is nice – it can project from a distance of more than 16 feet with a 260-inch image, with specifications of 1500 lumens, 1800:1 contrast ratio and XGA 1024×768 resolution. But you just know a high-def version is in the works. And, there’s more: this R2-D2 robot actually has robotics of a sort, with full-function: forward, reverse turn 360 degrees and recline (it uses Millennium Falcon remote control with removable stand). The head also turns, and it plays the most popular R2-D2 sound effects. The price is $2,995 but don’t expect to see one for a good 30 days. It’s on backorder (of course!). To see this, go to http://shop.starwars.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=1218818;category_id=336
SurgeX Unveils Next Generation of Flagship Sequencer SurgeX announced the company redesigned its flagship sequencer and power conditioner, the SEQ, to provide even greater control for today’s AC power platforms. SurgeX says the SEQ incorporates all the latest SurgeX technologies including Advanced Series Mode surge elimination, Impedance Tolerant® EMI/RFI filtering, SurgeX ICE Inrush current elimination and COUVS Catastrophic Over/Under Voltage Shutdown. The latest generation SEQ is designed to provide a sharper, easier to read, display and enhanced software. New features include a 12 Volt DC Output that can be programmed to control an additional remote system, and the ability to program additional always-on outlets. The SEQ has three physical banks of four outlets each that can be sequenced with two external (remote) banks of equipment. It interfaces with other control systems and can be infinitely cascaded with other SurgeX products. Like all SurgeX products, the SEQ is backed by a 10-Year warranty. SurgeX will show the product at InfoComm booth C3325. For more information, go to http://www.surgex.com/
Extron Introduces New, Larger VGA and Stereo Audio Distribution Amplifiers Extron Electronics introduced new eight-output and twelve-output VGA and stereo audio distribution amplifiers as part of the P/2 DA Series. The P/2 DA8 and P/2 DA12 Series are compatible with computer-video resolutions up to QXGA and feature fully buffered outputs, selectable input and output sync impedance, ID bit/DDC routing to the local monitor output, and individually selectable output muting. Two models in this series, the P/2 DA8 A and P/2 DA12 A also feature active PC audio buffering. All models are compatible with high-resolution RGBHV computer-video signals, as well as HDTV component analog signals with tri-level sync, making them especially suited to A/V signal distribution needs in commercial, rental and staging, and residential applications. The new sizes, says Extron, are also applicable to the larger AV distribution systems used in courtrooms, conference facilities, etc. The Extron P/2 DA Series of VGA distribution amplifiers is available in sizes from two outputs to twelve outputs. All models offer 350 MHz (-3dB) RGB video bandwidth, fully loaded, for optimum signal integrity at the highest computer-video resolutions. ID bit routing is provided to maintain compatibility with Windows Plug-and-Play displays. Audio-capable models feature active PC audio buffering, converting unbalanced stereo audio to balanced, line level signals to eliminate unwanted noise over long cable runs. For more information, go to http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=p2da812series&subtype=32
New Online Tutorials From Media Décor Teach Dealers, Consumers Tricks of the Trade for Concealment The first of what will be a series of tutorials about concealing flat-screen displays is available from Media Décor. The lessons are designed to show the various concealment options and products that are available, and to explain show how each concealment product is designed for a specific application, depending on the room and surroundings. It also answers installation questions. The tutorials are free and are available online or on CD. To view the tutorials, go to http://mediadecor.com/TUTORIALS.htm
Four-Inch Wireless Tabletop Audio Box Lets Sports Bar Patrons Surf Channels, Control Volume BTX will show at InfoComm a user-friendly AND bar/restaurant-manager-friendly system called Soundog, a small (four-inch) audio speaker system that lets customers control the audio of sportscasts at their table. This is a digital eight-channel transmitter with signals sent over a low FM frequency so as not to interfere with other wireless devices. The system runs for up to 16 hours on a single charge and recharges overnight on a wall-mounted charging system (cute, that the charging dock is called the Doghouse). Patrons at the sports bar or restaurant can use it to surf through the eight programs that are broadcast simultaneously, control the volume using digital push buttons, and can control the on/off. BTX has the whole suite of what you will need, such as the speaker systems and transmitters, available now. For more information, go to http://www.btx.com/Categories.aspx?Category=dcbd8562-0de0-4af2-a6d7-142932889573
Versatile, Affordable Logitech Squeezebox Duet Network Music System Logitech has a (relatively) new audio distribution system that works quite differently from most. In this case, different is good. Very good. This is a hand-held multi-room controller with a 2.4-inch color display that, using the scroll-wheel navigation, lets users control and access music in any room of the home. They can wirelessly browse music that is on the computer (even if the computer is turned off), and from Internet radio and subscription services, too. The music can then be played on any existing audio system in any room, or, and get this, they can also play the music on the hand-held controller itself. It may not be the first time this has been done, but it’s the first time it’s being done in this way, and for this price – just $400. For more information, go to http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/172/4180&&cl=us,en The product page is at http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/wireless_music_systems/devices/3817&cl=us,en Well, that's it for this edition of rAVe! Thank you for spending time with me as we muse the industry's happenings. To continue getting my newsletter, or to sign up a friend, click the link below. To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write to me at gkayye@kayye.com or for editorial: Denise Harrison at dharrison@kayye.com A little about me: Gary Kayye, CTS, founder of Kayye Consulting. Gary Kayye, an audiovisual veteran and columnist, began the widely-read KNews, a premier industry newsletter, in the late 1990s, and created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which later became InfoComm IQ. Kayye Consulting is a company that is committed to furthering the interests and success of dealers, manufacturers, and other companies within the professional audiovisual industry. rAVe ProAV Edition was launched in February 2003. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-sponsored by CEDIA, launched in February, 2004. rAVe Rental [and Staging] launched in November 2007. To read more about my background, our staff, and what we do, go to http://www.kayye.com Copyright 2008 – Kayye Consulting – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact Kayye Consulting, 400 Meadowmont Village Circle, Suite 425 – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: dharrison@kayye.com rAVe HomeAV Edition contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.
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