rAVe ProAV Edition Volume 2, Issue 19 (10/16/2004)

News:

Kayye Consulting's AVJob Resume Posting Service

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 Introduction

Welcome to another issue of rAVe!

Displays never looked better, or bigger. Take a look at the new giant screens such as NEC's new 84" DLP rear pro system using its WT600 projector, and Panasonic's new 65" plasma. These are awesome but pay attention to my column this issue. Don't just go in to sell a huge display. Sell everything the customer might be able to DO with it.

Also note the squeeze in price/performance happening with front projectors. More and more of them are bigger, brighter and better for unbelievable pricing, as you'll see in the news this issue. If you're an integrator and aren't out of box sales already, heaven help you!

Finally, Kayye Consulting raises a toast to Bob Walsh, who has decided to retire and enjoy the life of leisure, splitting his time between Illinois and Arizona. Enjoy, Bob, and thanks!

— Gary Kayye, CTS

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 Editorial
The Final Sayye by Gary Kayye
Change Your Commission Structure, Fast!
By Gary Kayye, CTS

Now it's really a new economy.

The dot-bomb economy was hailed as the new economy but after September 11, 2001, no one denies that we are in a new, new economy. Military spending is up, churches have more money for technology than corporations, the home theater market is booming and any technology that's security-related is taking a front seat to virtually all other sectors of information communications markets.

And margins continue to erode. Product margins are not rising. With few exceptions, ProAV manufacturer products are being sold below list price at something commonly referred to as a "street price." Even systems aren't immune to the reduction to profit percentages in the world of the ProAV sales person.

So what's a ProAV integration company to do?

Change your commission structure. Think about it. Sales has not been the most profitable department in the average ProAV dealer in years. In fact, it's not even the second most profitable department. In most cases it's dead last, after rental, service, design/engineering and installation. So, all the "customer-service" or labor service related departments are more profitable than sales. Don't believe it? Figure it out for yourself.

So, if service departments are more profitable than sales, then why not commission salespeople appropriately? Why continue to commission sales more? Or, even the same? Shouldn't service sales (i.e. selling service agreements, design contracts, etc.) be commissioned at a higher percentage (or rate) than selling products?

Absolutely.

As the ProAV market continues to mature and the projector moves closer and closer toward a commodity (if you don't think it's a commodity yet, look at the last three companies to get into the market: Compaq, Dell and HP), product margins will continue to decline. It just plain makes sense. And you certainly can't blame the manufacturers – okay maybe you can, but it's not going to make a difference. They need to sell more products to survive as their margins have eroded as well. Raw component prices are unstable. Technology has driven the cost of goods higher as customers and OEMs have demanded a more competitive price. And they need to sell more and more product to compete. We, (the ProAV market), certainly can't sell the numbers they want and need to sell. We don't reach anywhere near the numbers that a PC reseller reaches. So, consider it a done deal.

Move on.

Move on to where the money is. Service. Selling service agreements, design engineering, integration (even integration services on other people's/company's jobs) and rental services is more profitable than selling just gear. So encourage it by structuring your company's commission plan to sell services over products. There's no simple, secret formula. Just pay a higher commission percentage on a systems sale when selling services versus selling products. Make it 1%, 3%, 10% higher, I don't care, just make it higher.

And, speaking of services, isn't training a service? Shouldn't that be sold as well? There are a select few integrators out there that have realized that serving a customer/client goes much further than selling, integrating and servicing an installation. It means teaching their clients how to use the stuff more effectively. Not just to use the gear – that's should be included in the integration contract. I mean making presentations, making handouts, making the message clearer and making better presenters. That's a service customers need almost more than all others. Just ask, they will tell you.

And what about rental – the foundation of the ProAV market? What ever happened to that as the model for funding a business? If you don't have a rental department, get one. A well-run rental department is not only the most profitable segment of a well-oiled AV dealer, but it also fills the pipeline of customers, encourages loyalty (remember that?) and provides an AV dealer with one heck of a demo inventory at virtually no cost. Have you noticed that four of the top five AV dealers in the world have huge rental departments? Rental is service too.

Oh, and by the way, I don't see a reversal on the product margin erosion trend real soon. I doubt if too many manufacturers will wake up one day and say, 'Hey, I'm going to buck the trend and raise my margins and become less competitive with all my competition.'

Unless they get rid of those useless list prices – but, that's another story.

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 Special Announcement

Integrated Systems Europe 2005 Announces its Business Conference and Educational Program

Gary Kayye to Keynote Conference

The second edition of Integrated Systems Europe – 26-28 January 2005 at The RAI, in Amsterdam – announces its expanded Business Conference and Educational Programs. Playing an integral part of this unique pan-European showcase, they feature as a key element of the show's profile.

Representing advanced technology and applications-led solutions for the home, the workplace and commercial applications, ISEurope 05 is on target to grow in size by 50%. Currently, over 3,500 sq metres (net space) has been committed by 96 key organizations. Underlining its success 14 companies are supporting the show for the first time including, Sony, Barco, Philips and Stewart Filmscreen.

Key to the event's on-going success is its focus on education, which is provided by both its exhibitors and its consortium of co-hosting industry trade associations – CEDIA, Infocomm/ICIA and NSCA.

The Business Conference features as the main drive behind the show's curriculum with dedicated sessions offered by each association. Comprising 24 sessions over 3 days, it is hosted by European and US industry experts and covers a vast spectrum of topical issues affecting the industry.

The Infocomm Academy presents:

• The Transport of High Resolution Images Over Networks – Robert Simpson, Electrosonic Ltd
• Network-Based AV Systems – Gary Kayye, Kayye Consulting
• Digital Signage – Eric Siereveld, Sony
• Specifying and Assessing Front & Rear Projection Systems – Greg Jeffreys, Paradigm Audio Visual Ltd
• Integrating IP into Today's AV System- Jan Braams, Extron Electronics
• Planning and Execution of AV Projects – Andeas Promny, AK Media GmbH
• Projection Screen Technologies – Josh Garner, Da-Lite

The CEDIA University hosts:

• Residential Control Systems & User Interfaces – Koen Peperrnans, Vantage -EMEA
• Video Distribution Technology – Jan Braams, Extron Electronics
• It Shouldn't happen to a Custum Installer – Ray Lepper, Andy Willcox, Steve Moore.
• 10 Steps to install A Data Network for a Real Family – Peter Aylett, Networks Control.
• Site Technician Survival Guide – Steve Moore, Steve Moore Consulting.

The NSCA University stages:

• European EMC and Safety Considerations
• Audio Frequency Induction Loop Systems – John Woodgate, JM Woodgate & Associates.
• Line Source Array Systems – Alain Pouillion-Guibert, Consultant.
• Sound System Equalisation – Peter Mapp, Peter Mapp Associates.
• Mixed Media Streaming
• Transistion into Electronic Commercial Systems Business – Steve Olszewski
• Voice Alarm Systems – Doug Edworthy, D.G. Edworthy Assocs.
• Video for Audio People – Jan Braams.

A host of complementary educational forums "Capitalising on Emerging Opportunities" will also feature as part of ISEurope 05. These include presentations by key industry figures, including Frank Van Meeuwen – Crestron International, Ian Collis – Sony Electronics, Gary Kayye – Kayye Consulting and RAVE, Fredich Lehner, Interconnection Consulting Group, Tony Bicknell – Decision Tree Consulting.

The XYZ edition of the Infocomm Academy Design School will be hosted by Extron, 25-26 January in addition to many dealer and distributor meetings and manufacturer-led training sessions throughout the show.

Capitalize on discounted advanced booking rate and pre-register online at: http://www.iseurope.org

For further information contact: Anna Webb at Litmus Communications:
Tel: + 44 20 242 1460 Email: anna@litmuscomms.co.uk

Or: ISEurope Show Director Mike Blackman
Tel: + 49 172 89 15451 Email: mblackman@iseurope.org

CEDIA® (www.cedia.org)is a global trade association of companies specializing in planning and installing residential electronic systems. ICIA (www.infocomm.org) is the premier trade association for the professional audiovisual communications industry, and founder of InfoComm, the conference and trade exposition for audiovisual communications professionals. NSCA (www.nsca.org) is the leading trade association representing the commercial electronic systems industry.

For further information about ISE 2005 trade show, please visit the ISEurope website at: http://www.iseurope.org

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 Special Announcement

On a Personal Note…

Bob Walsh Announces Retirement

With winter weather approaching the Midwest and the Arizona sunshine ahead, I've decided it's time to officially take on retirement "full-time". I've been fortunate to have many wonderful years in the AV industry during which several significant technology shifts occurred, each offering and demanding major strategy changes. I began my career with the film era where the many formats offered a great variety of presentation products that defined the AV dealers' role. Along came media evolution with video and the gradual transition from film to electronic imaging followed by the personal computer, telecommunications and the digital world. In the later years, integration of these converging technologies offered many opportunities for design, engineering, installation, service and support. More recently, networks and wireless shifted the applications from within a room to multiple sites. Each of these industry shifts required major education and organizational adjustments. The industry will continue to face these challenges that provide new opportunities to organizations which can adapt in a timely and effective manner.

Through all these years, my role focused on sales that were driven by our ability to understand and explain these evolving technologies and help customers with practical applications to improve their communications. During my many years with Midwest Visual, we adapted to these many changes while expanding our business, becoming a respected and significant regional player. Our sales organization was well-trained and equipped to bring new and exciting products to our customers. I was surrounded and supported by many employees, friends, vendors, and reps, too many to mention. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet many other dealers while participating in various dealer advisory groups. The MCSi roll-up offered exciting promise and challenges that, unfortunately, did not successfully reward the many fine people who tried so hard to adjust to the many changes we faced. These associates are now scattered in various directions so I hope through this note to express my appreciation and thanks for their support. My closing experience with Gary Kayye provided an interesting variety of experiences as I transitioned to this next stage of my life.

We expect to continue to use Chicago as our main home base but, with the great freedom of retirement, we'll spend about five months in Arizona and leave the cold winters behind.

My thanks and best wishes go to the many fine people I met through my years in the AV industry.

— Bob Walsh

Editor's Note: Thanks Bob, and thanks for your contributions to Kayye Consulting and to the industry. Bob can be reached at rwalsh10@cox.net

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News:

Have a news tip? Send them to rAVe Editor-in-Chief Denise Harrison — dharrison@kayye.com

Projection

Toshiba Introduces XGA DLP Projector

Toshiba has a new projector specified at 1,100 ANSI lumens, 2000:1 contrast ratio and XGA 1024 x 768 resolution. This is a DLP projector and it weighs in at 2.9 pounds, has digital keystone correction and measures 7.3" x 6.9" x 1.8". It retails for $1,899.

For more information, go to http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/pdet.to?poid=285728&seg=SMB&sel=0&rcid=-26366&ccid=1291021

Sony Announces Low-End LCD Projector – Not Quite Sub-$1000

Sony will be shipping a new LCD projector specified at 1,500 ANSI lumens and selling for only $1,100. The SuperLite VPL-ES2 weighs just over 6 pounds and has automatic adjustment of lens, tilt, input search and keystone with one-button operation. It has component video input and six video modes for connecting different inputs.

The VPL-ES2 has Sony's "off and go" feature. This is nice – you can turn the projector off and pack it up right away since the fan will continue to run after the power is turned off.

For more information, go to http://displaysbysony.com/display/model.jsp?pCode=PRJC&pModelId=670

Canon Introduces LCoS Projector

Canon introduced the first projector in its new Realis line. The Realis SX50 is an LCoS projector specified at 1400 x 1050 SXGA+ resolution, 2500 ANSI lumens and 1000:1 contrast ratio priced below $4,000. Target markets include both home theater and business. It weighs 8.6 pounds and measures 11.26" x 11.18" x 3.78".

Canon's take on LCoS includes its patented AISYS (Aspectual Illumination System) optical technology, a way of optimizing LCoS for greater brightness in a smaller form factor.

The Realis SX50 has a 1.7x optical zoom that lets it project a 100-inch image on a screen from 9.8 feet away. It can display true 16:9 720p HD broadcast images, says the company, and has 2:3 pull-down circuitry that converts interlaced 480 and 575 video to progressive-scan.

For more information, go to http://www.usa.canon.com/templatedata/pressrelease/20041006_realis_sx50.html

Barco Announces Awesome 9,000-Lumen DLP Projector

Barco announced the SLM R9+, a DLP projector specified at 9,000 ANSI lumens, 1,400 x 1,050 resolution and 1250:1 contrast ratio. Barco says the projector, which is designed for rental and staging applications, has extended lamp life averaging 1,250 hours (1,000 is most typical for this class).

It's relatively small for so much output: 23" x 34.5" x 16.9" and compatible with existing TLD lenses. It also has an interlocking design that lets you hang them or stack them directly on top of each other.

For more information, go to http://www.barco.com/projection_systems/downloads/DS_SLM_R9+_sept04+.pdf

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Displays

RGB Spectrum Introduces High-Res ComputerWall III

RGB Spectrum introduced ComputerWall III, a multi-screen display controller designed for anywhere you need a large screen for displaying real-time data, graphics and video. The ComputerWall III displays high resolution graphics, video, and HDTV sources in real time across a 2 x 2, 1 x 2, 1 x 3, or 1 x 4 screen configurations. Larger walls can be created with multiple ComputerWall units.

The ComputerWall III supports RGB, DVI, HDTV, NTSC/PAL, S-Video, and component video. It accepts signals at up to 1600 x 1200 pixel resolution and converts them to any RGB or DVI format. The ComputerWall provides real time display of inputs at up to 80 frames per second. Inputs can be cropped, stretched, panned, and zoomed to emphasize areas of particular interest. It also has a 100x zoom.

For more information, go to http://www.rgb.com/en/News/ViewNews.asp?page=News%2FProductAnnouncements%2FComputerwall3

Panasonic introduced five new plasma displays for commercial applications, including a 37", two 42" models, a 50" and a 65". The five Professional Series models are specified at 4000:1 contrast on the SD models and 3000:1 on HD models. Resolution ranges from 852 x 480 to 1366 x 768.

Panasonic lists all kinds of image enhancers, such as a Real Black Drive System, Deep Black Filter, Super Real Gamma System, Adaptive Automatic Gain Control, and more. They have built-in video wall processors for up to 4 x 4 multi-screen configurations.

The 50" TH-50PHD7UY, 42" TH-42PWD7UY and 37" TH-37PWD7UY high-definition models are available now with MSRPs of $6,495, $2,795 and $2,395, respectively. The 65" TH-65PHD7UY and 42" TH-42PHD7UY will be available in November and pricing is TBD.

For more information, go to http://www.panasonic.com/business/visionsystems/mon.asp

OTC Wireless Announces WiJET.G Display Server – EPSON still Dominates

OTC Wireless announced a new wireless display server that wirelessly links the projector, CRT, LCD or plasma monitor to the computer using 802.11g. The new WiJET.G uses TCP/IP-based connection and can simultaneously display the same image on up to six displays.

A nice feature, especially for education, is that users can switch between presenters by just a mouse-click on the software menu – definitely preferable to unplugging and plugging in VGA cables or to using expensive RGBHV switchers.

Unlike EPSON's new 745c 802.11g-capable projector, the OTC wireless product isn't yet able to handle video adequately. EPSON's 745c projector has an all-new wireless projection module that is incredible. I've been testing it for two weeks now and, in case you didn't know, it does VIDEO! Darn well, too. More to come on this later.

For more information on the OTC Wireless box, go to http://www.otcwireless.com/802/WiJET_G.htm

For more information on the EPSON PowerLite 745c, go to http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=48547628

New Stand-Alone Signage System From AdSpace – a Bad Idea

AdSpace Networks introduced a stand-alone digital display that includes a plasma display, the computer components, cooling system and customizable casing. The CoolSign Integrated Display also includes software that drives the full-motion HD-resolution content playback. The CoolSign comes in 42", 50" and 60" sizes and can be free-standing or hung, mounted vertically or horizontally.

It comes networkable, able to connect over Ethernet or an 802.11b wireless network to a CoolSign powered Digital Media Network. The Digital Media Network provides remote management and monitoring.

Let me be frank here, this is a BIG mistake for AdSpace! They should NOT be selling an integrated system that includes a display. AdSpace should be selling and integrating their Digital Media Network for any and all display companies to support and use.

For more information, go to http://www.coolsign.com/

NEC Introduces Giant Rear-Pro

NEC introduced the WT600-DS84 InfoWall, an 84-inch rear projection screen with almost 3,000 square inches of continuous display area. It has 16:9 aspect ratio, can connect to the network with wires or wirelessly, and can be mounted on a wall, suspended from the ceiling, or placed on a floor pedestal.

NEC says the InfoWall is specified at native 1024 x 576 and 3000:1 contrast ratio.

The company says the new 84" InfoWall is driven by the NEC WT600 lensless mirrored projector. In fact, on the preliminary spec sheet, NEC says the WT600 is shipped separately and has to be installed into the WT600-DS84.

It is 22.5 inches deep.

For more information, go to http://www.necvisualsystems.com/applicationFiles/productDetails/appl_productDetail.cfm?Product_id=459

Barco Targets Security With New Video Systems

Barco introduced the Secupack packages designed to make security control room systems a bit less piece-meal. Barco says Secupack provides a visual integration of disparate systems (including incorporating legacy equipment) for better information exchange between control centers, better collaboration and uniform Operator interfaces.

The new displays support direct inputs from RGB, analog video, streaming video and any graphical data over the network.

For more information, go to http://www.barco.com/

Integrator Solutions

Kramer Debuts New Twisted Pair Transmitter/Receiver

Kramer has a new fix for sending VGA signals over long distances. The TP-100 and TP-200 VGA/XGA twisted pair transmitter and receiver provide an extendable and branching way to take your computer signals past even 300 feet. In addition, the TP-100 transmitter has a looping XGA input, ID bit control and two CAT5 outputs for sending the original signal to two locations simultaneously.

The TP-200 receives the CAT5 signal, decodes it simultaneously to three XGA HD15 outputs (DA operation) and relays the input to the next receiver (transceiver operation). It provides two independent, front panel EQ. controls – one for the decoded XGA signal and one for the relay output signal.

The two units are desktop, half 19" rack size, so they can be mounted side by side in a 19" 1U high rack adapter. The input looping capability of the TP-100 and the transceiver operation capability of the TP-200 allow you to create a multimode XGA/CAT5 distribution system as well.

For more information, go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com

Industry News

Chief, Sanus Merge

Chief Manufacturing and Sanus Systems announced a merger this week. Chief, a company specializing in mounts for ProAV and HomeAV, and Sanus, which manufactures AV furniture, mounts and accessories, officially became one company in an announcement on October 14.

Dale Glomsrud, president and CEO of Chief, will retain those titles as head of both companies.

For more information, go to http://www.chiefmfg.com/home.asp

Yet Another Display Technology

Canon and Toshiba have teamed up to form a new company, SED Inc., which will develop, produce and market Surface-conduction Electron-emitter Display (SED) technology. This is a flat-panel technology that uses the collision of electrons with a phosphor-coated screen to emit light. The companies say advantages include high brightness and definition, overall image quality, fast video response, high contrast, high gradation levels, and low power consumption.

Canon has been working on the technology since 1986 and first teamed with Toshiba in 1999 for further development. Production of the large-screen SED panels is expected to begin next year.

For more details, go to http://www.canon.com/press/p2004sep14.html

Stampede Completes MBO

The management of North America.-based AV distributor Stampede has bought the company from its previous owner, VPH Group. VPH says it prefers to focus on its European distribution businesses, including a new UK trade-only installation company called ProInstall.

Stampede was founded in 1983 and is based in Western New York State.

For more information, go to http://www.stampede-us.com/

Philips Ditches LCoS Display Efforts

Several news reports state that Philips has confirmed it is out of the LCoS rear projection TV business. Apparently, competition among LCoS manufacturers has become too stiff in technology advances and costs and pricing – not to mention the quality of their LCoS just wasn't that good.

Philips announced just a little more than a year ago it would invest $20 million Euro in its then-new LCoS production site.

For more information on the company, go to http://www.philips.com/index.html

The Passing of Jim Hulfish

Jim Hulfish, former Southwest Regional Sales Manager for Sharp, passed away October 6.

Lloyd Hastings, who took Jim's position at Sharp when Jim decided to retire, said in a letter to industry friends:

"Jim had a rich history in the audio-visual industry including serving as President of the National Audio Visual Association, the predecessor to the current ICIA. He served sixteen years with Sharp Electronics and sixteen years with Dukane among others.

"Jim was a solid individual with a golden voice and was well liked by all who knew him. I competed against him for years and he was always a solid professional. He will be missed."

The service was October 11. The family requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:

The Center for Liver & Kidney Disease Transplantation
8635 W. 3rd. Street
Suite 590 West
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Please mark your donation for the Jim Hulfish Fund

Oregon Entrepreneurs Award Clarity Growth Stage Company of the Year

Clarity was the recipient of the Growth Stage Company of the Year award by the Oregon Entrepreneurs Forum this year.

Clarity experienced a 40 percent increase in sales in 2003, reaching nearly $30 million in annual revenue. With 2004 more than half over, President and CEO Paul Gulick predicts continued growth in the 25 to 40 percent range.

For more information, go to http://www.clarityvisual.com/news/pressroom/0409/0929_GrowthStageAward.asp

Ridiculous News of the Day: Meeting Without Moving Foundation Established in the UK

Safety of workers, the environment and costs of travel to businesses prompted a group in the UK to establish Meeting Without Moving. According to the foundation, it is "a not-for-profit organization, backed by leading campaign groups, industry organizations and businesses including RoSPA, Friends of the Earth and the Institute of Directors is calling for a new business culture in Britain in which unnecessary travel is recognized as easily avoidable, irresponsible, undesirable and anti-social.

"The Foundation is looking for a mature dialogue with Government, which has already started at certain senior levels. The Foundation's aims which address At-Work Road Safety, the Environment, Business Productivity and Work-Life Balance can intertwine seamlessly with a number of Government Departments' key agendas, eg; congestion, environment and the competitive advantage for UK businesses."

The group says they are especially concerned about the extra burdens caused by travel during work hours, such as errands, which cost businesses money, add risk to workers with the extra driving, and add to the diminished air quality.

OK, I can't take it any more. Let's be honest here. This group, backed by Polycom, Tandberg, Sony and NEC, is in this to sell displays and VTC gear. Come on, give me a break. This rhetoric is as transparent as any I have seen. Take a look at this quote…

Organization Chief Executive, John Blackwell says, "Meeting Without Moving is a philosophy that should be adopted by every responsible employer. Those managers who continue to send staff on unnecessary journeys, exposing them to danger and stress, wasting energy and polluting the environment, and squandering money should be encouraged to consider the alternatives to ensure they are not held responsible for their actions. Meeting Without Moving fuses business efficiency with improved quality of life for all staff, whilst significantly benefiting the environment and the economy".

Pollution? Give me a break.

Support is coming from organizations such as Polycom, Tandberg, Sony, NEC, RoSPA, the Institute of Directors (IoD), Engineering Employers Federation, Transport 2000, Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and Henley Management College. Got the real deal here?

As I write this, I've been thinking and maybe I have an idea for this organization to promote. In light of all the chemicals used in cleaning bathrooms – and the danger caused by exposure to these chemicals – AND, the potential for our workers to actually trip and fall (and hurt themselves) on the way to the bathroom, I recommend that we all install toilets in our worker's cubicles. Think of the safety advantages here – not to mention the work efficiency increase. I'm all for it. Please forward this concept on to Mr. Blackwell.

For more information on Meeting without Moving, go to http://www.meetingwithoutmoving.com

Control

Crestron Shipping FlipTop for MediaManager

Crestron has a new flush-mount tabletop interface and control system designed to be the front end for its MediaManager presentation system. Inside the fliptop design are composite and S-video inputs, stereo audio inputs and it comes with a pull-out RGB/audio cable assembly. This assembly attaches to inputs hidden under the table and you can stash it inside the FlipTop compartment when not in use.

Excess cable drops out-of-sight below the box through grommeted holes provided in the bottom plate.

We've said this before, and will say it again: This is the ultimate system product for dealers. Every signal (video, s-video, RGBHV, HDTV, mic audio and even stereo audio) is routed from any MediaManager FlipTop interface or wall-plate via a standard Cat5e cable.

For more information, go to http://www.crestron.com/default2.asp

AMX, InfoGenesis to Develop One-Touch Control for Hotel Rooms

AMX and InfoGenesis, a hospitality and foodservice company, formed a partnership to develop a specialized control system for hotel rooms. They are to develop a one-touch access solution for in-room amenities and environmental controls, and will also prompt new revenue streams for the hotels.

From an AMX Touch Panel in the hotel room, guests can access a variety of services, such as room service, temperature, lighting, concierge, valet, television, movies, and security features. The AMX panels connect to InfoGenesis' Revelation point-of-sale solution, used in hotels and casinos for managing food, beverage and retail transactions. The new system could add revenue-generating services such as food and beverage ordering, spa reservations and concierge services.

For more information, go to http://www.amx.com/nr-press-releases.asp?release=2004-10-05

Audio

SLS Introduces Self-Amplified Speakers

SLS International has a new array speaker system, a self-amplified system that gives more flexibility in terms of where they can be installed, since they don't need to be connected to a separate amplifier. The P-LS8695 Powered Compact Line Array speaker system has two high power digital amplifiers incorporated to independently power the low and high frequency drivers. The speaker also has a high-voltage, high current power supply capable of maintaining amplifier supply rails under heavy loads and transients.

The integrated low frequency amplifier provides 1000 Watts of power to drive the low and mid frequency ranges. The integrated high frequency amp provides 500 Watts of power for high frequencies capable of meeting the enhanced bandwidth of today's 24-bit, 96kHz digital format.

For more information, go to http://www.slsloudspeakers.com/

Kayye Consulting offers a resume posting service for readers. While we include the location of the candidate, please remember that many candidates are willing to relocate.

Here is a sample of the job-seekers located in the current Kayye Consulting's AVJobs listings. See them all at http://www.kayye.com/resources/av_jobs.asp

Employers: To view all resume listings, go to http://www.kayye.com/resources/av_jobs.asp

Employees: If you are a candidate interested in this resume service, write to: jobs@kayye.com 

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 and news tips, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write to me at gkayye@kayye.com

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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.

Gary Kayye's rAVe was launched in February 2003. The new rAVe Home Edition co-sponsored by CEDIA launches in February, 2004.

To read more about my background, our staff, and what we do, go to http://www.kayye.com

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Copyright 2004 – 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

Gary Kayye's rAVe contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.