eNewsletter Volume 3, Issue 11 June 8, 2005 Live From InfoComm!
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News:
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Introduction This time, we're live from the InfoComm show floor where everything gets started today! The show is just barely getting underway as we send this Issue and there will be tons of news we'll cover later. For now, here are a few preliminary news stories from the show. Also, every June I do a mid-year review to see how well I did predicting what developments the year would bring. That's included in this issue, too. Have fun at InfoComm and.. — Gary Kayye, CTS
Editorial It’s that time of year again. The year is half way over and it’s time to review my 2005 predictions. Each December, I write a “crystal ball-style” article that addresses products, technologies and trends that I believe will make an impact in the upcoming year. And, each year, about half way through the year, I take the opportunity to review the year’s predictions and see how well (or badly) I’m doing so far. So, here it goes: The 2005 Predictions
Well, EVERY flat panel display introduced in 2005, so far, has had either an HDMI or a DVI port for digital connectivity. Companies like DVIGear and Gefen enjoyed over 200% growth the first six months of the year already and much of that coming from the ProAV space. In fact, the largest AV system of the year was completely routed digitally. But, the HomeAV market is still adopting the HDMI connectivity standard a lot faster than the ProAV market. The Small ProAV System Commodity: I pointed out that, “Unfortunately for the ProAV Dealer, the day of the ProAV System-in-a-Box is coming in 2005.” That day has arrived in the form of a pre-packaged system solution that InFocus is marketing exclusively (for now) through CDW. But, I was wrong in saying “unfortunately for the ProAV dealer”. Dealers can leverage this new, huge, customer base by not only selling them follow-up services but also offering service contracts for the hundreds of systems that will be sold each month through this distribution channel. I will write more about this as the year moves forward, but this could be a lot like the LCD Panel of the 1980’s – a product that brought a whole lot of people into the ProAV market that would have never found us had it not been for the cheap, easy-to-use LCD panel.
The Plasma Surprise: I pointed out that I felt that ProAV’s reliance on plasma, as a display technology will forever be altered in 2005 because of the LCD. Well, this one is harder to see the results of, yet. We do our annual dealer surveys at the end of the year so I don’t have any official statistical analysis, but all but one manufacturer of both plasmas and LCDs told me this week that their LCD sales are growing faster than they predicted and that in some cases plasma sales are flat. But, they all agreed that the short supply of LCDs could be actually propping-up the plasma market.
Smaller and Brighter: I predicted that projectors would, again, get smaller and brighter. Well, an easy prediction, but I am astounded at the brightness levels coming out right now. One of the most impressive is in the form of Christie’s LX-50 projector that’s the size of most average conference room install boxes but boasts at 5,000 ANSI lumen spec. It’s amazing how bright they are getting so quickly. Could the portable 10K projector be far off? 802.11G Adoption: I predicted that the addition of 802.11g wireless networking to a host of ProAV products would finally allow for adoption of networked systems. The projector manufacturers have already shifted all new networked-projector introductions from the “B” standard to the faster “G” standard network. Epson, InFocus, Sony, NEC, Sharp – they’re all coming out with “g” networked projectors. The best to, so far, is the Epson 745c. Videoconferencing that works: I really felt that 2005 would bring us VTC systems that work, better and more reliably. But, so far, not yet. Don’t get me wrong, they are far better than hey were, say, three years ago, but I’ll reserve judgment on this one until the end of the year. Finally, I finished the column with the thought that 2005 would be a big growth year for almost anyone. This is especially the case with companies in the Southeast and West coasts, but the Northeast is not growing much yet. And, the Midwest is still pretty flat. But, hang in there, I still believe it’s coming! Reprinted with permission from Sound & Communications
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Have a news tip? Send them to rAVe Editor-in-Chief Denise Harrison — dharrison@kayye.com
Industry News
We've been complaining for so many years how untrained most of the retail electronics salespeople are. Finally, one company will be correcting that problem. Best Buy decided to provide a training and certification for employees of the company's Magnolia Home Theater in-store locations, and they chose ICIA to handle the program! ICIA was apparently chosen because of the great online courses ICIA now offers. Congratulations to both organizations! For more details, go to http://www.infocomm.org/index.cfm?objectID=48B98825-E0CF-47ED-9ADDC26CEDB1C411
Mitsubishi to Show Palm-Sized Projectors, Plus Two Models With Latest DLP Technology
The PocketProjector and PocketProjector SD weigh 14 ounces and fit in your hand, coat pocket or purse! They can be AC or battery-powered or used with a car adapter. They can project an image of 20 inches from a foot away and a 40-inch image from loess than a yard. The PocketProjectors power on or off instantly. They are specified at XVGA (800 x 600) resolution and use DLP technology. Mitsubishi plans to offer Convenience Packs with suggested retail prices starting from $199, which will contain application-specific cables and accessories for consumer and industry segments. Optional battery bases will also be available for a suggested retail price of $149. The special suggested retail launch pricing is $699 for the basic model and $799 for the SD model.
The projectors both are specified at XGA resolution (1024 x 768) and 2000:1 contrast ratio. The XD1000U and XD2000U are specified at 3000 ANSI lumens and 3500 ANSI lumens respectively. Pricing will be announced later. For more information, go to http://www.mitsubishi-presentations.com/ NEC Brings Six New Projectors to InfoComm
The new projectors include: The VT37 — priced at $795 estimated street price, with 4000 hour lamp life, 1500 lumens and an updated remote control. The VT575 — the same product as its predecessor but the brightness is increased to 1500 lumens and the lamp life up to 4000 hours while keeping the same $1,195 price. The VT676 — specified at 2500 lumens and XGA native resolution, this is a new product that has square shot image magnification with location control, and a remote with mouse control for $1,995. The LT20 — 2.2 pounds the LT20 Is compat and specified at 2000:1, resolution at XGA, 1,500 lumens, and plug and project technology, at the same $1,495 price as its predecessor. The LT180 — a new projector with professional video quality, says NEC, HDTV capable, and with wall color correction so you can project on blackboards as well as almost any color wall. Available early July at $1,495. The WT Series, with NEC's lensless mirror design for short throw distances, gains the new WT610 — added brightness (2000 lumens), higher contrast (3500:1), and 802.11g wireless network connectivity at the same $5,995 price as the prececessor. Along with six new projectors, NEC is also featuring five commercial and four residential plasma displays at InfoComm 2005. The plasmas range in size from 42 to 61 inches and start at $1,995. Also, for those users looking for the highest video quality possible, NEC will soon be offering the NEC TheaterSync. This external video processing unit is powered by Silicon Optix's award-winning Realta chip which incorporates HQV processing. This will enable an NEC plasma or projector to achieve HD quality out of non-HD sources (cable, DVD, VHS, etc.) and will be available early fall 2005. For more information, go to http://www.necvisualsystems.com/ Hitachi Announces Two New Projectors at InfoComm
The CP-X444 is specified at 3200 ANSI lumens and XGA resolution. Not much else in the announcements, such as price, contrast ratio or even what technology these projectors use. Guess we'll find out later. For (not much) more information, go to http://www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/index.html And rumor has it…
Sanyo will introduce a 7000-lumen, 1920 x 1080 resolution projector as well as a 3000 lumen, 1366 x 768 resolution projector. This, I've got to see. Kramer Introduces FireWire Matrix Switcher Kramer Electronics introduced the VS-66FW FireWire matrix switcher, which allos switching of six bi-directional FireWire devices and can function as a FireWire hub as well.
The VS- 66FW operates bi-directionally and offers automatic branch/leaf configuration. It can be operated with FireWire/i.Link implementation of the IEEE 1394-1995 and the IEEE 1394A standards at data rates of up to 400Mbits/sec. The VS-66FW supports isochronous and asynchronous transfers, as well as all the features of the 1394/FireWire interface, including hot insertion and removal, and it can source the power to all ports. The VS-66FW can be controlled via the front panel buttons, the infra-red remote control transmitter, contact closure and remotely by RS-485 or RS-232 serial commands transmitted by a touch screen system, PC, or other serial controller. A large, very bright LED display on the front panel shows the current status of the matrix, and the built-in non-volatile memory stores and retrieves up to 15 pre-set configurations. The VS-66FW is housed in a 19" 1U rack-mountable enclosure. The Kramer VS-66FW is available for list price of $900. For more information, go to http://www.kramerelectronics.com/ New Company rp Visual Solutions Introduces InVizible Mounts
Each unit includes a heavy-duty fold out arm that allows ease of service access and cable accessories.. A ductless cooling system provides proper cooling for the flat panel. The inVizible Mount family of products is compatible with most Plasma and LCD displays and is offered for the 42”, 50” and 61” panels. The bezel frame is available in a variety of designer finishes. For more information, go to http://www.rpvisuals.com/ Nigel B. Designs Shows Palm-Sized Amplifiers
The 45 watt RMS stereo Amplifier weighs 16 oz, is smaller than 4 CDs and is often used to boost the sound output of ceiling projectors. Due to the amplifier's light weight and size, they are often mounted on a projector's pole *above the projector. By wiring directly from the amplifier to the ceiling speakers instead of going to an amplifier below, reduces labor time with a subsequent savings in costs, says the company. For more information, go to http://www.nigelbdesigns.com/ Media Recording and Distribution Grass Valley Teams With Iomega
Iomega REV technology includes standards-based removable disk media and drives. The combination of the technologies from the two companies and the joint venture are specifically designed for the needs of the ProAV community, particularly those ready to move from tape-based production to digital. For more information, go to http://www.thomsongrassvalley.com/news/press/
The Avocent Emerge WMS1000 wireless media streamer broadcasts high quality, full motion streaming video from virtually any analog video format to multiple display devices up to 1,000 feet without wires. The design eliminates the need for PCs at each display, removes the hassles of cables and makes for quicker and easier installation. For more on Avocent, go to http://www.avocent.com/
Control SMART Launches 17-inch, Dual-touch Interactive Pen Display
Users connect the DT770 directly to a computer and a projector, then they can simultaneously display computer images or multimedia sources on a larger presentation screen for the audience to see. The DT770 detects when the pen is lifted from its holder and automatically toggles between its two input modes of pen vs. touch. It features a 17" (43.2-cm) screen with SXGA resolution and a new version of SMART’s DViT technology that uses digital cameras to detect both pen and finger inputs. The DT770 is available at list price of $3,999. For more information, go to http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/About+Us/Press+Room/Press+Kits/Tradeshow+Press+Kits/InfoComm+2005/
Displays Lighthouse Marketing Portable LED Display
The company says the PopVision has 140-degree horizontal viewing angle, 4.4 trillion color capability, 50/60-frame-per-second frame rate, Display input for RGB HV, SDI, RGB, YUV, YC, Composite, PAL/NTSC, VGA overlay (HDTV and HDSDI optional and 3,000 nits brightness. For more Information, go to http://www.lighthouse-tech.com/ MicroDisplay Introduces Single-Panel LCoS Microdisplay at InfoComm
Interestingly, the company says that Integration of analog drive electronics into the display itself allows the LCoS driver board to be configured with just seven major components, including the frame buffer memory, a microcontroller, and the MSP-51 LCoS driver chip. MicroDisplay's MSP-51 also integrates display control, display timing, image processing, and a high-speed 96-bit DDR frame buffer interface into a single 676 BGA chip. Sample quantities of F-Series evaluation kits are now available directly from MicroDisplay Corporation and include custom productivity LCoS design tools. For more information, go to http://www.microdisplay.com/?a=release5&PHPSESSID=d6ab6f214e223db85602d48e4b21dd41
Digital Signage Clarity Shows CoolSign
For more information, go to http://www.clarityvisual.com/products-services/software/coolsign/
For more on DynaTek, go to http://www.dynatekmedia.com/ Conferencing Listen Technologies Introduces Bosch Custom Conferencing Products at InfoComm ‘05
Custom alterations include aesthetic, functional, or both, such as changing color, finish and texture of the products. You can also resize the unit to fit existing furniture or replace buttons with dials. You can integrate a smart card reader or modify microphone length, or incorporate a vandal-proof microphone. The solutions can also interface with external systems like video displays. For more information, go to http://www.listentech.com/resources/news_build.php?nid=47 Industry consultants are also invited to a special presentation on Bosch Custom Products at the Listen Technologies Booth #129 on June 9 at 4 p.m. NewSoft Shows New Wireless Presentation Solution
NewSoft says its high performance algorithm detects the differential regions of the screen resulting in the system’s ability to present content at more than 15 frames per second on average using 11a/g. As a result, users can wirelessly share oversized video, image files, even PowerPoint files with embedded animation and video clips, in real-time. Presto! WMS users can also search information provided by the sender using the integrated channel scanner and communication protocol without worrying about wireless parameters and settings. For added convenience, WMS users can also record broadcasted presentation materials to their hard drive or a DVD disk for anytime, anywhere review. For more information, go to http://www.newsoftinc.com/products/product-main.asp?productid=NAI0025
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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 [forward-Click here to forward Gary Kayye's rAVe to a friend] [subscribe-Click here to subscribe] 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 launched in February, 2004. To read more about my background, our staff, and what we do, go to http://www.kayye.com Copyright 2005 – 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.
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Digital Content Servers: In the column, I said, “the future of AV integration will make its debut in 2005 in the form of digital content servers”. Well, I was right on target. If you haven’t seen it already, take a look at Grass Valley’s Turbo product. It’s exactly what I have been saying is coming – a networkable TiVo-like video server that allows for computer data (i.e. PowerPoint, etc.) files, video files and even native resolution HD video to be stored and “served” to a user. Grass Valley’s already set the bar for other content server manufacturers to shoot for. Good luck.
DVI and HDMI: In December’s column I pointed out, “the DVI connector’s been here for four years. It’s just that you haven’t connected to it yet. But as the trend of consumer technologies steering (and driving) professional AV technologies continues, 2005 will be the year you finally use that digital connector. DVI and HDMI: The DVI connector’s been here for four years. It’s just that you haven’t connected to it yet. But as the trend of consumer technologies steering (and driving) professional AV technologies continues, 2005 will be the year you finally use that digital connector.”
Apple Style: In my 2005 predictions, I pondered the possibility that Apple’s renowned design style will trickle into the R&D departments of manufacturers in our market and that we will start to even choose product based on looks. Well, it’s getting better, but we’ve got a long way to go to get there. Probably the best-looking projectors are coming from little known, Norway-based, Projection Design. And, I am impressed with the look of the new Sharp Aquos line of LCD TV’s. 
The Electrograph Factor: I predicted the emergence of the VAD (value added distributor) in recent years would transform the distribution channel in AV in 2005. No question about this one. Electrograph, Visual Solutions, ActiveLight and Stampede are all growing, right now, faster than the manufacturers they represent. This will continue.
Major Electronics Retailer Turns to ICIA for Employee Training
Among other announcements, Mitsubishi has two new tiny palm-sized projectors at its booth (1401). The SD version of the projector has a digital memory card slot.
Mitsubishi is also exhibiting the XD460U and XD490U, both based on the new Texas Instruments BrilliantColor technology for DLP. The technology uses a new color-processing algorithm and system level enhancements which they say creates a brighter and more vibrant picture with a 50 percent increase in mid-ton images — better for video.
NEC Solutions Visual Systems Division has six new projectors filling out the VT, LT and WT series. 
Hitachi is bringing out two projectors at InfoComm. The CPX440 is specified at 2500 ANSI lumens, XGA (1024 x 768) resolution, and weighs 7.7 pounds.
Sony will show the company's 4K SXRD projector in the Large Venue Gallery…
Randy Pagnan's new company, rp Visual Solutions, introduced at InfoComm the InVizible line of flat panel mounts. Available In both a ceiling and wall mount version, these mounts make the flat panel displays absolutely flush with the surface because it installs inside the wall or fits into the ceiling and can be pulled down.
Nigel B. Designs is showing palm-sized, lightweight stereo and 70v amplifiers, especially designed for tight spaces.
Hitachi announced that the Avocent Emerge WMS1000 wireless media streamer can be used with Hitachi's line of LCD projectors. This is the first time Hitachi is offering a way of using wireless technology with the company's projectors. 
SMART Technologies introduced the Sympodium DT770 interactive pen display, which allows users to use the touch screen with their finger to navigate room control menus, and to automatically switch to using the battery-free tethered pen to control desktop applications and annotate on the screen using SMART's DViT technology,.
Lighthouse has a new LED display that comes in a case and pops out when needed. The PopVision is for rental and staging, mobile digital signage and definitely for sports events. It comes in 56 inch and 80 inch diagonal screen formats and is contained in a 5’ x 2’ mobile case with a wireless remote and hydraulic system for getting the display to pop up on its own.
MicroDisplay Corporation introduced a Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) microdisplay, a single panel specified at 1920 x 1080 resolution. The FHD model, says the company, has 15% more brightness, 30% higher contrast, and 40% faster draw times than the company's previous HD.
Clarity Visual Systems is showing a product from the company they just acquired, CoolSign. The CoolSign iS60, an all-in-one, networked digital sign engineered for the retail and public venue markets. A freestanding unit (in portrait orientation), configured with 60-inch diagonal screen technology, the iS60 can be integrated into any digital signage network running CoolSign software. You plug the iS60 sign in, configure it with the easy to use remote, and within seconds it comes alive with content, says the company. 
DynaTek Media is demonstrating SpotACCESS, the company's software for digital signage content management. DynaTek Media will demonstrate SpotACCESS along with its Spot suite of other hardware and advance sensor solutions.
Listen is showing Bosch Custom Products, new ProAV solutions for helping ProAV professionals match products to the install environment. Now through Listen, consultants, integrators, and dealers can get assistance from Bosch’s designers and engineers for tailored conferencing microphone systems. 
NewSoft is showing Presto! WMS (Wireless Multimedia System) at InfoComm. Presto! WMS uses Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g technology to let users broadcast screen-captured images, MPEG 1 and MPEG 2 files from any Wi-Fi enabled PC or notebook to multiple PCs, notebooks or VGA /XVGA projectors incorporating a hardware Wi-Fi receiver adapter. The company says it is especially suited for meetings, presentations, conferences and more, 
