Volume 1, Issue 2 — June 30, 2015
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Editorials Editorials Editorials
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Strategy Matters
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
We installed our first digital sign at Bates College over 12 years ago. About seven years ago we installed a server based system and the signs have continued to spring up around campus. Bates is a environmental-friendly institution and one of the questions we get asked is how much power it takes. We also often get asked about the administration and maintenance of the signs. However, the question I get asked the most is, “Why did you put that monitor on the wall?”
Our typical answer is: “Because someone asked us to.” In all seriousness, that is our answer.
Whether that should be an acceptable answer in higher ed is a debatable question. Certainly we can not always determine the return on investment on a product as easily as a for profit firm. However, many would argue that unless you find ways to determine ROI, you are simply throwing money away.
In the case of the commercial business, that would by no means be an acceptable answer. Individual digital signs can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 not including maintenance and upkeep, along with the time spent creating content for the sign. How do you know if that investment is paying off? When sitting around an airport, or a hotel or a mall, I pay attention to the signs and see what they are advertising and how people are responding to them. A lot of times they seem to be ignored.
So, what are the steps in supporting your customers to make a good decision and then be able to learn and grow from that decision? The first step is to confirm that your customer has a strategy.
- Why are they putting up the sign?
- What do they hope to accomplish from it?
- How will they know if they have accomplished their goal?
- What is the plan to change tactics in case the first reports are that the sign is not accomplishing the goal?
I think that many integrators are nervous to do this with their customers. They are afraid that it is not their role, or expertise to deal with the strategy of a commercial business they are working with. Also, let’s face it, it is hard not to grab the money and do what they asked. However, if you are looking at the long term prospects of this customer, then it makes sense for you to sell a product that will be a success. Whether it is one sign initially, or ten, successful systems tend to grow, so there is potential demand for your services in the future.
Your customer could have a variety of reasons for putting up a digital sign. It may be direct marketing of a particular product, it could be going outside the store to direct attention to a lost leader inside, or it could be simply informational for their customers. Once you and your customer understand the strategy, then you can start thinking about the best location for the sign, with strategy in mind. If your customer is inside a mall and wants to increase foot traffic, then obviously and external, or window based install is the right location. However, if they are a health store inside the mall, and their strategy is to highlight specific products inside the store (up-sell to a more expensive brand) then the clear placement of the sign is going to be inside the store next to where this brand is located.
The next step in the process of helping your customer is get them useful metrics on the system. For example, the store that is trying to increase foot traffic could put in a laser counter at the front of the store to determine if that goal is actually met. Or perhaps, they could reference on the sign a changing coupon code that people could use inside the store and their computer systems would indicate a customer who came in because of the sign. Next month we will look more closely at metrics and how you can help your customers with this tricky, but critical aspect. Leave a Comment
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A New Model for the Device Driven Enterprise
By Corey Moss rAVe Blogger
While I wasn’t one of the many who rushed to pre-order it on April 10th, those that did led Apple to sell out of the most coveted device to hit the market in quite some time in a single day — the Apple Watch. In fact, it was reported that in that one day, Apple had managed to sell more watches (to the tune of an estimated 957,000) than the number of Android Wear smart watches sold in an entire year.
According to an article Wearables Gaining Popularity In Business, there will be 75 million wearable devices deployed in work settings by 2020, according to a report from Tractica, a market intelligence firm that focuses on human interaction with technology.
The BYOW Trend
Thanks to the consumerization of IT and the influx of personal tablets and smartphones into the enterprise, the way has now been paved for a new device technology to move in. As I own a smart watch (though not an Apple) where I receive alerts for e-mails, messages and social media (and even take phone calls), I can imagine the effectiveness that a “Bring Your Own Wearable” or BYOW strategy can bring — although like a BYOD program it doesn’t come without security risk, however that’s for another blog.
The major driver of this trend in the global wearables market that has been projected to rise sharply at a compound annual growth rate of 54.11 percent (through 2018) is the “convergence” of such services as telecommunications, media, IT and more onto a single device that’s easily accessible on a mobile platform.
In an article from September 2014 Apple Watch: The Internet of things’ new frontier the writer states that the Apple Watch “is the new orbit around that center [of liquid computing], bringing computing to an even more personal device than a phone. Watches are passé for many of us, something that the smartphone obviated. With the Apple Watch, Apple rejuvenates the watch as both a watch and a new kind of personal computing device.”
Run your sales business at “arm’s length”
Where corporate sales departments are concerned, a strategic and powerful customer relationship management (CRM) tool is imperative to running a successful business. Salesforce, the number one enterprise SaaS-based CRM solution, has gone where no others have to this point – to the Apple Watch.
In early March, Salesforce released the Analytics Cloud for Apple Watch with (left to right above): Analytics Dashboard, Analytics Lens, Analytics at a Glance and Analytics Voice Dictation. Known as Salesforce Wave prior to the official release, it provides an at-a-glance view of important information one wants to be notified about. One can access relevant and timely data in seconds, swipe to see dashboards, explore with lenses or use Handoff to work seamlessly between Apple Watch and iPhone. One can use a Voice Search tool as well to bring up a report, view a dashboard, or find other vital information.
With the Salesforce 1 for Apple Watch app one can get real-time alerts to know, for example, when key deals close or major goals have been reached. One can receive sales, service, marketing and their established business community’s notifications through the watch. The company also offers the Salesforce Wear Developer Pack for Apple Watch which lets Salesforce1 developers build enterprise apps for Apple Watch that connect directly to the Salesforce1 Platform.
“I think clearly Apple Watch is going to be a transformational moment in the industry,” stated Michael Peachey, VP of solutions and product marketing at Salesforce. He added that “Other vendors have tried it, but Apple is really cracking the code.”
Meeting time… on your watch
On April 23rd, cloud-based video collaboration service company Blue Jeans Network announced the availability of an app that adds support for Apple Watch, in their words ‘ensuring you never miss another meeting and providing essential information about upcoming meetings at a glance.’ While we may not be ready to videoconference on watches just yet (although as mentioned we can communicate on them), this now provides business users the opportunity to manage meetings, essentially, at a glance.
As a companion to the Blue Jeans App for iPhone, Blue Jeans for Apple Watch adapts to the platform with new capabilities including the “Countdown Glance” feature as well as an accelerated access feature which offers one-touch access to the current meeting running on the iPhone. The key features of the app are:
- Meeting Notifications: Discreet reminders for your next Blue Jeans meeting
- Upcoming Meetings: A concise view of your Blue Jeans meeting schedule
- Countdown Glance: Displays the time remaining to your next Blue Jeans meeting
- Accelerated Access: Provides one-touch access to the current meeting on a paired iPhone
Stu Aaron, chief commercial officer at Blue Jeans Network exclaimed, “All eyes are on Apple Watch and we’re thrilled to offer an app that will soon become a business necessity. As the workplace has become increasingly more mobile, Blue Jeans has been there, every step of the way.” He went on to say “Our Apple Watch app brings the Blue Jeans experience full circle. Now professionals can manage meetings on-the-go and at a glance to effortlessly integrate the full Blue Jeans experience across platforms.”
True mobility on your wrist
On the next day after Blue Jeans’ announcement, ShoreTel announced that ShoreTel Mobility would be among the first UC applications available for the Apple Watch. With the app, Apple Watch owners can stay connected with ShoreTel Mobility on the go, without taking their iPhone from their pocket.
The ShoreTel Mobility home screen on the watch allows users to access commonly used UC functions, such as viewing any unread instant messages, accessing favorites, and joining a meeting. For instance, when weaving through a crowded airport, the app will deliver a notification on the user’s wrist for when a conference call is about to begin, and with one simple tap, the user is automatically dialed-in, authenticated and ready to participate on the call or video. ShoreTel Mobility on the Apple Watch allows users to:
- Easily access their corporate favorite contacts with initiation of an enterprise call across WiFi, cellular or cellular data
- Re-dial a missed enterprise call
- View and respond to secure corporate instant messaging by selecting from a predefined set of responses or by speaking into the Apple Watch
- Answer or reject an incoming enterprise call
- View and update enterprise presence
- One tap join a ShoreTel collaboration session
“Wearable technology is a fascinating frontier for the mobile professional. ShoreTel is leading the way by delivering the extensive UC capabilities of ShoreTel Mobility via its new app for the Apple Watch,” said Pejman Roshan, vice president of product management at ShoreTel. “By extending ShoreTel Mobility to the wrist, accessing your enterprise UC system is literally as simple as checking the time. This is emblematic of our commitment to providing an unrivaled experience to our users.”
Do these as well as other productivity tools available for the Apple Watch signify the need for adoption of a structured BYOW program with associated corporate policy to go along with BYOD implementation for the enterprise? In my estimation, the answer is absolutely. As BYOD has already done, when BYOW fully hits the workplace with the Apple Watch and other such devices it’s most likely going to take off, and fast. With this in mind, enterprises that fully leverage experience with BYOD smartphones and tablets can successfully drive implementation of wearable devices in the workplace.
The security factor? That’s next…
Here’s an excellent video Enterprises are also eyeing the Apple Watch.
Click here for more information on the Salesforce solution, here for more information on the Blue Jeans solution, and here for more information on the ShoreTel solution. Leave a Comment
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Three Things I Want to Learn at InfoComm and Three Things I Already Know
By Christopher Jaynes CTO and Founder, Mersive
Editor’s note: This column was printed just prior to InfoComm 2015 this year, but we thought you’d still find it interesting. See all of rAVe’s InfoComm 2015 coverage here.
OK – InfoComm is just around the corner. Along with ISE, it’s the largest audiovisual tradeshow of the year. Anything related to display systems, room control, audio distribution, media streaming and collaboration makes an appearance at the show. I’ve been attending InfoComm since 2007 and as much as I am tempted to predict the “coolest” things to appear at the show, I thought it’d be more interesting to point out what I hope to learn. There are things I don’t have a handle on — but I’m sure after finding and talking to the right people, things will come to light at the show.
Here are the three things I hope to learn at InfoComm:
1. What does WebRTC mean to AV?
WebRTC is an open source Google project that provides browsers with the ability to act as a real-time communications (RTC) endpoint. It’s already disruptive in the unified communications (UC) space and will likely impact the AV industry as well. WebRTC provides a set of free APIs that allow anyone to enable voice, video, and text communications capabilities in a browser. Using WebRTC, webpages can plug in web conferencing capabilities into a HTML5 webpage. Very cool – we’ve already thinking about how this can be folded into the collaboration ecosystem.
Beyond providing endpoint capabilities, WebRTC can provide voice and video services. Just like a traditional PBX, incoming WebRTC calls can be transcoded into the SIP protocol and routed into the enterprise network. Does this mean that AV companies can introduce UC capabilities into their own products? It could, as long as those companies are willing to embrace a software roadmap. I’ll be looking for companies that are aware of WebRTC and are looking to leverage, and those that will miss.
Booths I hope to visit on this topic: Crestron (room control/RL), PolyCom (they are already in the WebRTC game), Smart, and Jupiter (Canvas 3.0 would be very cool with built-in UC).
2. Does digital signage have a future?
The market for complex and expensive installation of large-scale signage infrastructure is quickly disappearing. The signage model that was built on expensive (but smart) player systems connected to dumb displays is being challenged by Smart TV and the Android TV initiative. For very little expense, I can install a set of Android TV units, download a media player and connect those units to an existing wireless network. These same displays are touch enabled, and I’ve already seen R&D demos of units that can recognize viewer demographic with a built-in front-facing camera. Of course content authoring and centralized management will still have a future, but it’s unclear to me how digital signage as a separate product/market will survive the world of pervasive media streaming to consumer displays.
Booths I hope to visit on this topic: Panasonic (The company is releasing Android TV units this year — will they combine those with their signage business?), BrightSign (they may be a bellwether for the future of signage), and Tightrope Media Systems (they provide content design as well as integration and signage management so their perspective will be interesting).
3. How will the market react to the millennial workspace?
I’ve blogged about this one before. Closed-door, fixed configuration, and dedicated rooms are evaporating quickly. This means that AV needs to transform itself from dedicated products and fixed AV designs to something more malleable. The workforce will change dramatically over the next five years as tens of millions of millennials enter the workforce. Their work style, approach to collaboration and problem solving, as well as their cognitive approach are defined by the technologies they grew up with – instant access to the internet through mobile devices and high-tolerance for multi-tasking. I’ll be curious to see how companies that are still building dedicated “room systems” will respond.
Booths I hope to visit: Oblong (Mezannine is a dedicated, fixed configuration and expensive room system), Smart (kudos to them for the Smart Kapp product that can be deployed just about anywhere), Prysm (larger cube walls that require dedicated space for deployment).
OK — I don’t want to scare anyone into thinking the market is in danger — it’s actually an awesome time to be in the space. Each of these questions represent opportunity. Leave a Comment
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Sony Launches Three New Business ProjectorsSony is adding three new models to its line of professional projectors aimed at both the corporate and education markets. The new compact (well, relatively) projectors include the VPL-EW348, VPL-EW345 and VPL-EX345 models. Each model is specified at 4,200 lumens and uses a new BrightEra 3LCD panel (WXGA 0.75”, XGA 0.63” size).
The VPL-EW348 model has a built-in HDBaseT interface 5Play including video, audio, control and IP over a single Cat5e/6 cable for up to 328 feet (100m). Each model also has two HDMI ports for expanded connectivity with digital devices in the professional A/V market space.
The new models are designed to extend lamp life and reduce total cost of operations, delivering optimum energy efficiency and low power consumption. Lamp life can be extended to up to approximately 10,000 hours, depending on the lamp mode selected. Other energy efficient functions include Sony’s auto lamp dimming function, where the projector intelligently detects if it is left powered on with a static signal being fed. When a static signal is detected, the lamp can be dimmed to a specified percent of original brightness after certain time intervals set by the user.
Through the network presentation and remote control functions, a tablet or smartphone can control the projectors. Each model has a 16W speaker and is designed for silent operation, with a low of 29dB and high of 35dB. An input label function helps users clearly organize connected equipment.
The following is planned availability for the new models:
- VPL-EW348 (WXGA with HDBaseT), January 2016
- VPL-EW345 (WXGA), October 2015
- VPL-EX345 (XGA), September 2015
All the details are here. Leave a Comment
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Altinex Intros TNP355C Power Plus BoxAltinex has launched the new TNP355C Tilt ‘N Plug Power Plus Box that combines dual AC power outlets and dual USB charging ports in a chrome housing.
The new TNP355C is designed for mounting into tables, podiums, or other furniture and power and USB charging ports are accessed by pushing down on the top cover — allowing the unit to tilt open. When pressed again, the TNP355C’s top and the power sockets and USB ports are recessed into the table.
The TNP355C tabletop solution offers dual AC sockets capable of delivering up to 12 Amps AC along with two USB ports that can deliver up to 3 amps of charging power indicated by a green LED light. This tabletop solution was specially designed for use with USB compatible devices.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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NEUTRIK Launches Third Generation etherCON Cat6A Product LineNeutrik USA just introduced its third and most powerful etherCON range of products ever, etherCON Cat6A. Building upon its etherCON Cat5 and etherCON Cat6 lines, etherCON Cat6A products carry an “X” in their part numbers to differentiate them from other etherCON products.
The new etherCON Cat6A line includes a cable carrier complete with a Cat 6A RJ45 connector for self-termination, feedthrough D-size chassis connectors, and IDC-termination D-size connectors. The cable carriers are available in both nickel and black plating. They accept a cable OD range of 7 mm to 9.5 mm — suitable for a wide range of commercially available cables. The chassis connectors (both feed-through and IDC styles) are available in three finishes: nickel, black and a weatherized version that makes an IP65-rated connection when mated to the cable carrier.
Neutrik’s new etherCON Cat6A is fully downward-compatible with etherCON Cat 5 — both etherCON Cat5 and Cat6A cable carriers mate to both etherCON Cat5 and Cat6A chassis connectors.
Neutrik’s etherCON Cat6A is PoE+ compliant to 802.3at Type2. As with all Neutrik etherCON products, the new CAt6A range features rugged latching and durable housings.
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Crestron to Deliver a Microsoft Surface Hub Collaboration Solution at InfoCommMicrosoft Surface Hub is now natively compatible with Crestron, thus, in collaboration with Microsoft, Crestron technology natively integrates with Microsoft Surface Hub. The new solution combines the premier large format Windows touch appliance with the leading global solution in control, automation, and video distribution. Pairing a Crestron DigitalMedia Presentation System (DMPS), TSW touch screen, TSS scheduling touch screen, and a set of USB Extenders with Microsoft Surface Hub adds the flexibility of control right from the conference table and the ability to:
- Display any content on the Surface Hub from any device anywhere in the room or enterprise
- Pass touch functionality from the Surface Hub to touch-compatible connected devices
- Present HD and Ultra High Definition 4K video
- Launch Windows 10 apps on the Surface Hub
- Adjust room and environmental settings including shades, lights, and temperature using Crestron’s App on the Surface Hub or from the Crestron TSW touch screen
- Book and schedule meetings from the Crestron TSS touch screen just outside the room
The joint solution makes complete room and environmental control possible, right from the Surface Hub. Crestron gives you complete control of the room, and enables enterprise-wide deployment and network management of these room systems using Crestron Fusion software.
Read all about the collaboration here. Leave a Comment
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BenQ Expands Digital Signage Display SeriesBenQ America has announced the availability of four new models in its digital signage series, which will debut at InfoComm 2015. The so-called next-generation signage solutions include the company’s all-new 4K displays, interactive touch panels, ultra-slim monitors for video wall applications, and more.
The four include two new additions to the RP Series of interactive flat panels that feature 10 touch points, the 79-inch 4K RP790 and 70-inch RP702. Equipped with DisplayNote, a free bundle desktop and mobile application, presenters can create more collaborative environments by streaming any content directly from their computers to multiple participants across various devices. Aimed at classroom and other collaborative environments, BenQ’s QWrite software enables onscreen user interaction by editing, highlighting, and co-creating a wide range of documents.
One of the other new models is the 55-inch PL550 (with a bezel-to-bezel gap of only 3.5mm) and integrates HDMI digital daisy-chain capabilities, direct USB flash drive connectivity, video-over-Ethernet (VoE), and BenQ’s MDA software tools. Finally, the fourth is a new 4K2K resolution display spec’d at 350 nits of brightness. The 55-inch ST550K is an ultra-slim signage solution equipped with the X-Sign content creation and management software, MDA software, and a custom Android operating system that enables USB playback and Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) connectivity to allow mobile devices to mirror HD content to the monitors, the ST550K is an all-in-one smart signage solution packed with everything needed to deploy and manage content in retail shops, restaurants, and corporate settings.
All three can be found here. Leave a Comment
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Media Vision Offers TAIDEN’s HCS-4851 Retractable Microphone ArrayThe new digital conference microphone by TAIDEN is designed for integrators and end users that want to hide all meeting technology solutions when not in use. The HCS-4851 is a flush-mount unit with a retractable line array microphone and microphone activation button. A cover plate hides all electronics when the microphone is fully retracted.
When taken out for usage, the TAIDEN HCS-4851 microphone array has a total length of 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) with a 30-degree lean angle; the microphone placement offers proximity to the sound source while using the advanced physical characteristics of a microphone array ensuring excellent pick-up of the human voice and rejecting ambient noise from above and below the microphone.
The HCS-4851 digital conference microphone is compatible with all other wired tabletop and flush-mount digital conference systems by TAIDEN. Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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AKG Intros DMM8 U and DMM14 U Reference Digital Microphone Mixers AKG is introducing the DMM8 U and DMM14 U reference digital microphone mixers. Ideal for large meeting rooms and conferencing applications, these mixers offer advanced DSP functionality and multiple routing options.
DMM8 U and DMM14 U feature built-in DSP to ensure precise mixing of up to 80 and 140 channels, respectively, by cascading up to 10 units. Stereo audio outputs and USB connections offer additional routing options for both models. Numerous DSP functions such as EQ filters, compressor/limiter and routing make the DMM8 and DMM14 ideal for a variety of spoken word applications.
The DMM8 U and DMM14 U are also available as UL versions (DMM8 UL and DMM14 UL), which offer a LAN interface via Ethernet to enable control over large distances using, for instance, an AMX control system. In addition, AKG offers software that enables users to control all functions via AMX and Crestron products, or directly via a Wi-Fi router on Apple, Android and Windows devices. This gives users the freedom to mute unnecessary microphones and otherwise manage the discussion either automatically or manually. The software and the UL versions will be available summer 2015.
In the Fall of 2015, both models will also be available as ULD versions, which integrate a highly sophisticated DANTE chip. On these models, all ins are available as direct outs, which is ideal for broadcast applications, while all outs are also available on the DANTE stream. The DMM8 ULD provides 14 free assignable DANTE outs, while the DMM14 ULD provides 22. In addition, four Dante streams can be used as inputs with both models.
Key features include:
- Digital signal processing and sophisticated mixing algorithms for seamless mixing, resulting in high gain before feedback and crystal-clear voices
- Two-channel USB (stereo) streaming In and Out for interfacing with IT networks
- Six (12 with DMM14) programmable presets for fast, easy tailoring to different situations
- 12-band graphic EQ on outputs for optimized loudspeaker tuning
- Audio matrix routing of all inputs to all outputs for creating multiple mixes of multiple output combinations
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EIKI Debuts 14K Lumen Projector EIKI has just launched its brightest projector yet, the 14K-lumen 3-chip DLP-based EIP-UJT100. The EIP-UJT100 is spec’d to have a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, is native WUXGA 1920×1200 resolution, has four digital video inputs including HDMI, DIsplayPort and HDBaseT as well as 3G HD-SDI and has a Dicom Simulation mode for viewing grayscale images such as X-rays.
In addition, the EIP-UJT100 includes built-in edge blending and image warping as well as corner keystone correction and allows for dual-projection via picture in picture and picture by picture modes. Optional lens cover a range of 0.67 to 6.96:1 throw ratios and it weighs 81-pounds with the lens.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Ships Wireless TST-902 Touch PanelCrestron announced today the release of its TST-902 8.9″ Touch Screen saying that it’s an enterprise-grade wireless tablet. The nine-inch tablet is designed for wireless control and it uses a capacitive touch screen panel and delivers video via H.264 and is integrated into an edge-to-edge glass design.
The TST-902 primarily communicates via Crestron ER instead of Wi-Fi and wireless communication is enabled via the Crestron Extended Range RF Wireless Gateway (CEN-ERFGW-POE) for ultra-dependable wireless performance up to 200 feet indoors.
While the TST-902 can be used to control communications using ER wireless alone, you can use ER and Wi-Fi together (dual-mode) to integrate streaming video from IP cameras or for web browsing.
Crestron says the TST-902 incorporates new fast-charging Lithium ion battery technology that makes it possible to keep the device docked indefinitely without killing the battery. And, to help extend battery life, the Instant-Waking feature allows the TST-902 to go to sleep within seconds of putting it down. But you’ll never have to wait for the screen to wake up; with Instant Waking the TST-902 is always ready to go. If necessary, the TST-902’s battery is field replaceable.
Here are the complete details. Leave a Comment
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New beyerdynamic Revoluto Vertical Array Microphone IntroducedIn 2006, beyerdynamic presented the first microphone with its patented Revoluto technology that was integrated with both horizontal array microphone capsules.
At InfoCommn 2015 in Orlando, beyerdynamic introduced the newly developed vertical array microphone. With the vertical array, a horizontal corridor characteristic is created (horizontal cardioid, vertical lobar). This gives the speaker even more freedom of movement to the left and right. It is also possible that two participants share one microphone, or to record several people at video conferences. Due to the vertical lobar polar pattern, the gain before feedback is optimized for ceiling systems.
The new Revoluto microphones are part of the Classis RM 30/31 series of products, and are available in two variants — a 3-pin XLR (phantom powered) version that is great for any installed application, and a 5-pin version that is compatible with the microphone units of the Orbis conference system.
The flexibility of the vertical array microphone makes it a great option for any application — it can be used in classrooms, boardrooms, courtrooms, podiums, and tele/video conferences. Both variants make optimum use of the benefits of Revoluto technology, and products with horizontal or vertical array patterns can be used based on the request for design, room acoustics and PA system.
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Biamp Systems Introduces the Oreno SuiteBiamp Systems today unveiled its all-new Oreno platform — one of the products featured on our InfoComm TOP 10 TOUR. Created specifically for conferencing environments, the system has the ability to control any Biamp Tesira — equipped conference room via mobile devices. Designed to simplify the complexity of conference room setups, the Oreno suite is comprised of three core components: Oreno Creator, Oreno Manager and the Oreno User Interface (UI).
Ideal for standalone or multi-room conference settings using Tesira or TesiraFORTÉ, the Oreno suite allows participants to lock access to specific conference rooms during a meeting, place calls, and recall presets from Web-enabled devices.
To expedite the creation of the user interface, the Oreno Creator tool provides a simple UI builder, which uses drag-and-drop tools and pre-built templates. This allows for end user customization, while eliminating the need for complex programming. The Oreno Manager allows control to be passed to the end user. Deployed onsite on a Windows PC or virtual machine, Oreno Manager provides systems administration tools and network management capabilities. Running in the browser of Web-enabled devices, the Oreno UI provides complete mobile control of a room’s audio functions without the need for any software to be installed on the user’s personal device — creating a flawless conferencing experience for any meeting participant. Biamp engaged Blink UX to help create a world class meeting room experience. Blink UX — a leading User Experience Research and Design Firm — helped Biamp design and test the user experience and UI for Oreno.
It will deliver this fall and here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Epiphan Announces AV.io HD — an Easy-to-use HDMI Video GrabberEpiphan Video just unveiled the AV.io HD — something they are calling a video grabber that lets you capture video from HDMI, DVI and VGA sources.
AV.io HD is a video capture device that lets anyone easily connect their device with a HDMI, DVI or VGA output, including cameras, laptops, tablets, projectors, game consoles, and embedded devices to a computer running Windows, Mac, or Linux without the need to install any additional drivers or add-ons. Just like a webcam, when plugged in, AV.i o appears as a video source, making it compatible with virtually any software, including Skype, Wirecast and QuickTime.
Like other products from Epiphan Video, AV.io HD is able to capture crystal-clear Full HD video (1080p) at 60 frames per second with near-zero latency and ultra-high reliability. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, yet entirely enclosed in an all-aluminum casing, AV.io HD is the perfect companion for video capture anytime, anywhere, and from any video source.
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Sony Adds New PTZ Camera –SRG-120DU With Plug and Play FunctionalitySony Electronics’ new SRG-120DU is the latest member of its SRG high definition remote-operated camera line-up. Taking its place alongside Sony’s SRG-300SE, SRG-120DH and SRG-300H PTZ cameras, the SRG-120DU is the first in the PTZ line to feature a USB 3.0 interface and is UVC video compatible.
The SRG-120DU is designed to easily bring professional visual communications to the PC environment by readily connecting with Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC) and multimedia streaming devices. Its extremely wide field of view (71°) and a 12x optical/12x digital zoom auto focus lens makes it perfect for small to mid-sized rooms. Its compact, lightweight design and availability in a silver housing fits a variety of installation and environments.
The SRG-120DU is for customers that need a higher quality image than they can achieve with a consumer webcam. The SRG-120DU combines high speed data transfer of uncompressed video signals resulting in full HD images with imaging advances to instantly adapt to even the most challenging lighting conditions. It incorporates Sony’s high-sensitivity 1/2.8 -type Exmor CMOS sensor and the latest View-DR technology. View-DR provides extremely wide dynamic range with Sony’s full-capture Wide-D to compensate for backlight or changing lighting conditions. In addition, the camera’s XDNR technology reduces noise and provides clear images in low light environments. The camera also features fast and silent pan, tilt and zoom capabilities. The drive motor noise is less than 35dB — ideal for use in noise-restricted environments such as hospitals, class rooms and meeting rooms.
Pan/Tilt/Zoom controls are operated by VISCA protocols through either the RS232C (serial) connector or RJ-45 (IP) connection allowing for either local or remote operation. It is compatible with Sony’s RM-IP10 IP Remote Controller to enable comfortable P/T/Z operation with an optical three-axis joystick. With 16 programmable presets, operators can click from one camera shot to another without having to reframe the scene. This makes for smooth transitions rather than jarring shifts. While designed to allow non-professionals produce expert results, the SRG-series PC control software gives complete flexibility for video professionals and provides full access to camera function such as exposure, white balance and gain.
Initial industry response highlights the potential benefits of the new SRG-120DU camera, from Vidyo, an OEM that integrates Sony cameras into its VC systems, and Panopto, which makes lecture capture software compatible with Sony SRG cameras.
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Hitachi’s CP-BW301WN and CP-BX301WN Short Throw LCD Projectors Are Aimed at ClassroomsHitachi America is introducing its CP-BW301WN and CP-BX301WN Short Throw LCD projectors designed for classroom installation that demands a projector refresh utilizing the existing wall-arm mount.
The new CP-BW301WN provides WXGA 1280×800 resolution with 3,000 lumens brightness and CP-BX301WN provides XGA 1024×768 resolution with 3,200 lumens brightness for more vivid and realistic images up to 150 inches diagonal. Both Short Throw projectors offer a Throw Ratio of 0.4:1 and deliver a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and lamp life up to 10,000 hours.
The projectors compact size and light weight (13.6″ x 11.9″ x 3.4″, 8.4 lbs.) make them easy to install on a wall-arm mount or place on a tabletop or other surface. They include two HDMI inputs, two computer and composite video inputs, a video monitor out and multiple audio connections. In addition, the CP-BW301WN and CP-BX301WN provide USB Type A and USB Type B ports, an RS232 connection for remote system control and an RJ-45 port that enables the projector to be remotely controlled and monitored via LAN. The CP-BW301WN and CP-BX301WN can also receive and display notifications and other information from a centralized location via a school’s LAN using Hitachi’s PJMessenger function.
All the detailed specs are here. Leave a Comment
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AMX and Microsoft Announce Partnership to Integrate Surface Hub with AMX Meeting Room Control Ecosystem
At InfoComm, Microsoft and AMX announced that they have entered into a partnership to integrate Microsoft’s Surface Hub collaboration system with AMX control.
Microsoft Surface Hub is a collaboration system that features a Windows 10-based 55″ HD or 84″ 4K display serving as a focal point for typical activities that take place during a collaboration session. Surface Hub leverages its large display to deliver applications for white boarding, content sharing and presenting, as well as running conferencing applications like Skype or Lync to easily incorporate remote participants into the meeting. Surface Hub also includes multi-touch and multi-pen capabilities that recognize up to 100 touch points with precision, allowing natural human interaction with the display for white boarding, free-flow ink drawing and execution of apps.
AMX solutions include user interfaces for managing the room technology, switching and control systems for distributing audio and video content during meetings, digital signage systems for distributing information throughout an enterprise; and software solutions that simplify the configuration, monitoring and maintenance of AV systems.
AMX is incorporating Surface Hub into its Rapid Project Maker (RPM) software. Using RPM, customers can easily set up these new rooms to be monitored and maintained in real time over the IT network with AMX’s Resource Management Suite (RMS) software.
Before people start to use the rooms for meetings, they will need a system for locating and booking available conference rooms. By integrating Surface hub with RMS, organizations can augment Surface Hub’s native calendaring and scheduling functions by placing scheduling panels directly outside the room, thereby allowing employees to instantly locate and reserve an available meeting space. RMS will also enable IT organizations to remotely monitor equipment usage, troubleshoot performance issues and remotely power down equipment in order to save energy.
More details about the partnership are here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships 3.5″ Wall Mount and Cable Cubby TouchLink Pro TouchpanelsExtron has shipped the TLP Pro 320Mand TLP Pro 320C TouchLink Pro Touchpanels. These fully-configurable touchpanels work with any Extron IP Link Pro control processor and are designed for use in AV system applications that require complete, interactive control of a broad range of source devices. As with all TouchLink Pro models, these feature faster processing and more memory. Power over Ethernet – PoE allows the touchpanels to receive power and communications over a single Ethernet cable. The TLP Pro 320M features a sleek, rounded bezel that compliments the aesthetics of any AV environment. It is ideal for AV applications requiring a compact, wall-mountable touchpanel with a fully customizable interface.
The TLP Pro 320M and TLP Pro 320C feature customizable backlit buttons that broaden the room control options. All TouchLink Pro touchpanels can be customized using Extron GUI Designer software. This powerful interface design software offers ready-to-use templates for a wide variety of rooms and presentation environments. These designs may be used as is, or customized for the application by simply changing individual graphic elements. Both touchpanels are also compatible with the Extron Control App and Extron Control for Web.
Go here for all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Listen Technologies Announces New Infrared Language Distribution SystemListen Technologies announced today another IR system in its line of ListenIR solutions. Following the introduction of iDSP IR and the new LT-84 Transmitter/Radiator combo earlier this year — an IR system that revolutionized the approach for a variety of venues — Listen Technologies debuts the new Infrared Language Distribution system. Engineered to be easy to set up, install and use, it saves both time and space to get multilingual language environments up and running faster than ever.
ListenIR Language Distribution System key features:
- Compliant to IEC 61603-7 and IEC 60914 standards
- Audio input via Dante interface
- Small and compact, designed for 1RU space
- Web Browser set-up with mobile tablet application
- Auto delay compensation built in
- Radiator is two-thirds the size of similar powered devices
- Lithium Ion, reliable battery technology for receivers
- Drag and drop signal/channel configuration
- 32-channel standard compatible use but can expand up to 40 channels
All ListenIR solutions are designed for quick and easy installation and maintenance. IR products are ideal for assistive listening and language interpretation in boardrooms, courtrooms, or other environments where privacy is important. From small to large venues, Listen Technologies’ systems are built to fit any need in a wide variety of applications. With exceptional coverage, ListenIR is truly the best solution.
The ListenIR Infrared Language Distribution System will be available Q4 2015 with pricing TBA. Details will be here. Leave a Comment
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Crestron Intros PinPoint Mobile for Mobile Control of Enterprise TechnologyCrestron’s new PinPoint Mobile app gives end users access to their “full enterprise infrastructure.” They will be able to see their full calendars, find an an available meeting room, book it and invite attendees, not matter their location. One can go into a meeting and instantly take control of the room using the same app.
When a user enters the room for a meeting she scheduled, the room can automatically “wake up” to her personal room settings preferences (set through the app interface) and start the meeting. She can take control of everything in the room from the same app — AV, lights, temperature and shades. For a scheduled videoconference, she can tap the app to automatically turn on the room display, lower the shades, dim the lights and dial up the invited attendees.
Communicating with Crestron PinPoint Proximity Detection Beacons (PP-100) installed in rooms throughout the building, the PinPoint Mobile app can display the nearest available meeting rooms and huddle spaces whenever an end user needs one.
More information is here. Leave a Comment
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AMX Intros New HydraPort Touch
At InfoComm, AMX launched the AMX HydraPort Touch — combining an AMX HydraPort with an ultra-slim AMX Modero S Series Touch Panel. The touch panel folds to hide into tables and accepts the MyTurn Source Selectors.
The new HydraPort Touch integrates a HydraPort chassis with a 10″ or 7″ Modero S Touch Panel and, when closed, the unit sits flush with the table top. Connector modules include:
- USB 3.0
- A 4K@60 HDMI, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort
- Cat6 Ethernet
- VGA
HydraPort uses AMX’s new MyTurn Source Selector solution. Press a MyTurn button and meeting participants are able to switch the display to show their source content. And, the MyTurn solution can be scaled to up to eight simultaneous users supported with each receiver deployed. When used with an AMX Solecis Digital Switcher, MyTurn offers a simple switching solution that can be implemented with no programming. All of the new HydraPort RCMs and standalone cables are MyTurn-ready.
Here are the detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Audio-Technica Debuts 10 PRO Rack-Mount Digital Wireless System Audio-Technica debuted its System 10 PRO Rack-Mount Digital Wireless System, the latest addition to the growing range of A-T System 10 wireless solutions. Like all System 10 models, the System 10 PRO Rack-Mount operates in the 2.4 GHz range, keeping it free not only from TV interference but also from the uncertain regulatory future facing the TV bands. Its durable rack-mount chassis houses one or two receiver units that can be operated locally within the chassis or be removed and mounted remotely (up to 300 feet away) via Ethernet cable. This groundbreaking approach to delivering wireless increases the versatility of the system while also greatly enhancing wave propagation – without the substantial expense of adding an antenna distributor and corresponding cables. Additionally, up to five System 10 PRO chassis (10 receivers) can be linked together using the RJ12 cable included with each system, creating a stable multichannel system with the simultaneous use of up to 10 channels.
The chassis’ LCD Dual System Display shows RF signal level, system ID, transmitter battery level, and system link status for both channels. Like all the products in the System 10 wireless family, the PRO Rack-Mount features 24-bit/48 kHz wireless operation, easy setup, clear, natural sound quality, and three levels of diversity assurance: frequency, time, and space. Frequency Diversity sends the signal on two dynamically allocated frequencies (with automatic frequency selection) for seamless, interference-free operation. Time Diversity sends the signal in multiple time slots to maximize immunity to multi-path interference. Space Diversity uses two antennas on each transmitter and receiver to maximize signal integrity. A ground-lift switch helps eliminate audible hum caused by ground loops.
Each System 10 PRO Rack-Mount system includes an ATW-RC13 receiver chassis, one or two ATW-RU13 receiver units, one or two AT8690 receiver-unit mounting brackets, one RJ12 cable, two rack mounting brackets, one joining plate, one AC adaptor, and one or two ATW-T1001 UniPak body-pack and/or ATW-T1002 handheld transmitters. Both the receiver chassis and transmitters feature easy-to-read displays.
System 10 PRO Systems are currently available in the following configurations and U.S. estimated street prices:
- ATW-1301 Single Channel Bodypack System $429.00
- ATW-1301/L Single Channel Bodypack System w/ Lav $499.00
- ATW-1302 Single Channel Handheld System $449.00
- ATW-1311 Dual Channel Bodypack System $759.00
- ATW-1311/L Dual Channel Bodypack System w/ Lav $899.00
- ATW-1312 Dual Channel BP/HH System $779.00
- ATW-1312/L Dual Channel BP/HH System w/ Lav $849.00
- ATW-1322 Dual Channel Handheld System $799.00
All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Hitachi Adds CP-WU8461 and CP-WU8451 LCD Projectors Featuring HDBaseTHitachi America today introduced its CP-WU8461 and CP-WU8451 LCD projectors, two new models that offer HDBaseT capability along with improved contrast, WUXGA resolution and numerous additional enhancements. The CP-WU8461 and CP-WU8451 are aimed at mid- and large-sized auditoriums and venues.
The CP-WU8461 and CP-WU8451 are able to receive video signals from distances of more than 300 feet via HDBaseT. In addition, both projectors include a complete selection of A/V inputs including HDMI, component, S-Video and composite video, USB Type A and Type B, computer and audio. LAN, RS-232C control, remote control and monitor out connections are also provided.
The CP-WU8461 and CP-WU8451 are both WUXGA 1920×1200 resolution and 5000:1 contrast ratio as well as 6,000 and 5,000 lumens brightness, respectively. They feature exclusive Hitachi image technologies such as HDCR High Dynamic Contrast Range to yield clear images even in bright rooms, and Accentualizer, which enhances sharpness, shadow detail and other image qualities. Both models offer a DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) Simulation Mode, which is ideal for viewing grayscale medical images, such as X-rays, for training and educational purposes.
The CP-WU8461 and CP-WU8451 provide motorized focus, zoom and lens shift, allowing adjustment of the image via the supplied remote control. Digital keystone (horizontal and vertical) correction, Hitachi’s exclusive Perfect Fit image correction and 360-degree display rotation enable precise positioning of the image and facilitate installation. In addition to their supplied 2.0x zoom lens, four optional additional lenses are available to accommodate a wide variety of projection distances.
The CP-WU8461 and CP-WU8451 can be found here. Leave a Comment
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EIKI Launches 14K Lumen, 3-Chip DLP Projector at InfoCommEiki International announced the new EIP-UJT100 DLP WUXGA (1920×1200) projector at InfoComm. Spec’d at 14,000 ANSI Lumens, the EIP-UJT100 is a 3-chip DLP (three 0.96-inch DMD DLP chips) projector with four digital inputs (HDMI/DisplayPort), HDBaseT and 3G HD-SDI.
With its support for DICOM Simulation mode, the EIP-UJT100 is well designed for viewing grayscale images such as X-rays — making it ideally suited for use in medical training and educational applications. Optional lenses cover a range of 0.67 to 6.96:1 throw ratios and it includes built-in Edge Blending, Image Warping and Corner Keystone Correction.
The EIKI EIP-UJT100 DLP WUXGA will list for $43,995 and here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Sony Launches Two New 4K Laser-Phosphor ProjectorsSony has two new 4K resolution projectors that use laser/phosphor technology. The new Sony VPL-GTZ270 is designed for entertainment use including planetariums, theme parks, museums and retail, while the VPL-GTZ280 is designed for simulation, visualization and training.
Both are 5,000-lumen models with native 4K (4096×2160) resolution, and join Sony’s VPL-GTZ1 model to create a family of versatile 4K laser light source projectors designed for a range of B2B and commercial applications. Both can also operate in 4K 3D mode.
Like other laser projectors, the VPL-GTZ270 and the VPL-GTZ280 are designed to deliver up to 20,000 hours of operation with little to no maintenance (up to 40,000 hours in low brightness mode) without the need for a lamp exchange.
The VPL-GTZ270 is designed to create an immersive reality viewing experience in the entertainment market, with image enhancement functions including “Reality Creation” upscaling and compatibility with High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, giving users the ability to view the entire range of an image accurately and clearly. A wide color space covers the full DCI range and simulates the new ITU-R BT2020 color gamut.
The VPL-GTZ280 uses high-speed motion functions and new high-speed 4K 120Hz signal processing capability for 4K3D 60Hz left eye/right eye and reducing blur in fast motion scenes, in addition to smear and transport delay reduction, infrared light output for night vision stimulation and vibration resistance.
The VPL- GTZ270 will be available in the 1st Quarter 2016 and the VPL- GTZ280 will ship in the 2nd Quarter 2016. All the details are here.
Gary recorded a podcast about the launch of these projectors here. Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe AVBuyers.Club out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV and HomeAV industries, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write or say anything good (or bad).
To send me feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas, Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com.
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship newsletter with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. rAVe Radio, our podcast network, was launched in 2012. AVBuyers.Club, our first publications targeted at end users, launched in May 2015. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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Copyright 2015 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: Sara@rAVePubs.com
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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