Volume 10, Issue 11 — November 7, 2017
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A Visit with Microsoft
By Leonard Suskin Pixel and Ink-Stained Wretch
When we think conference room and collaboration technology, we too often think of audiovisual collaboration technology, and when we think about that we think of a small set of traditional AV manufacturers, largely unknown to those outside of the industry. We think of control system manufacturers such as Extron and Crestron, of Vaddio and its PTZ camera technology. Of QSC and Biamp and Shure, perhaps Revolabs (now Yamaha).
We think of what we do.
Today I spent the morning with what might not be the biggest vendor of conference room tech, but one of the largest tech vendors with a foothold in the conference room. Today, along with my team, I visited Microsoft for a discussion of its Surface Hub. That discussion ended up being less about the hardware and more about the things of which I’ve been speaking for years now: about culture, about workflow and about ecosystems.
Even if it Isn’t About the Hardware – It’s About the Hardware
I can’t help it; I’m a technologist. I love hardware, especially well-made and carefully thought-out hardware. Hardware with solid build quality, hardware that’s easy to integrate. Hardware that does what it should do.
As I said last month, software runs on hardware.
You all know the specs of the Surface Hub by now. Either a 55″ HD display or 84″ 4K. Dual 1920×1080 cameras. Four microphones. Integrated PC running Microsoft Windows 10 Team (NOT the Windows 10 you know and love from your desktop, but a close cousin). Seeing it in person confirms what anyone who’d seen the Surface tablet would guess: Microsoft makes nice, solid-feeling hardware. In fact, our friendly Microsoft rep demonstrated just how solid by repeatedly punching it with a closed fist. Thankfully, the gorilla glass-clad screen neither fell off of the wall nor shattered.
That glass is part of a very nice capacitive-touch display with as many points of multi-touch as one could possibly want. Writing is very smooth and comfortable; note how clearly differences in pen-texture translate as my colleagues and I signed-in on the device.
You can clearly see the difference between my fellow systems designer, myself and an account executive whose handwriting is expected to be actually legible. This is much better than the experience one gets from an optical touch-overlay, which will register touches but not tell how hard one is pressing.
So yes, the hardware is quite good.
But, as I said, it isn’t really about the hardware.
Teams, Office 365 and the Same Conversation
One thing to note is that the Hub is NOT a Windows 10 device; it runs a custom version of Windows 10 called Windows 10 Teams that’s designed for the type of environment and workflow in which the Hub is expected to work. The most interesting facet of this is how it handles login management; the Surface Hub itself will have its own non-password protected account for whiteboarding and local presentations. One can walk up to it, draw one of the capacitive-touch pens from its holster on either side of the device and start whiteboarding. One touch can lead you to the Skype application where you would join a meeting under the Hub’s account. Or one can sign in with ones own Microsoft account, either from the home screen or the Skype meeting page. The team at Microsoft sketched some quick “home page” splash screens with arrows and instructions for the various choices.
Why is this interesting? The biggest reason is that it solves the “guest access” problem; a third-party presenter can use the device without having to be given a login which might compromise security. Better yet, they can access their own calendar and contacts via a sign-in to Microsoft Live. On sign-out all of the session data is deleted, adding another layer of security and protection.
This is part of the conversation about workflow, the other part being tight integration with Microsoft applications, especially the new “Teams” collaborative tool. For those who don’t know, Teams is Microsoft’s answer to Slack or Cisco’s Spark. It is a lightweight tool for asynchronous collaboration including threaded messaging and document-sharing. Document editing – at least for documents generated by the MS Office suite of products — is more seamless in Teams than in competitor products. If a client uses, say, the Google GSuite products then the experience would be less well-integrated. Whiteboard notes can be exported directly into Microsoft’s OneNote notetaking program. Again, great integration for those who work that way.
This is the biggest point – designing and recommending AV systems is no longer only about content and video sources and viewing distance. It is now more than ever about workflow and about ecosystem. It’s about what people do and how they do it. The Surface Hub is a tool optimized for certain applications – specifically Skype for Business and Microsoft Office. Users who use Cisco for videoteleconferencing and GSuite for mail and document creation will not get a positive enough experience with the Surface Hub to be worth the price tag. Those who use Microsoft products AND use them to collaborate will likely find value here.
One Thing it Doesn’t Do – and What That Says
Two years ago, I wrote about voice control as one of the “shiny toys” the home tech market is developing and of which we still don’t see much in the boardroom. Given that the Surface Hub has integrated microphones and runs a Windows 10 variant, I took the opportunity to ask about Microsoft’s digital assistant, Cortana. The answer is that Microsoft DID conceive of Cortana voice-integration as a means of interface, but that in practice it worked neither consistently nor helpfully enough to be usable. Part of the issue may be the aforementioned security features; as session data is not recorded (for security), the Cortana assistant in a Surface Hub doesn’t have the ability to learn the voices of its most frequent users. In each interaction, Cortana is hearing you for the first time. This makes the experience less than ideal.
It raises a question about when — or if — the world of digital voice assistants will make the move from living room to boardroom. Certainly in Microsoft’s experience they aren’t there yet, though they remain on the roadmap for home use.
For the nonce, the Hub remains an interesting tool for a certain ecosystem and workflow. Leave a Comment
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Virtual Reality Continues to Offer New Opportunities
By Scott Tiner rAVe Columnist
In an October 28th, 2017 article in the New York Times, “Virtual Reality Gets Naughty,” Alyson Krueger writes about the pornography industry’s deep dive into virtual reality. Despite what you may feel about the ethical issues with the pornography industry, the article is a fascinating read. In particular, it is interesting because of how far the industry is driving the technology and how what they do will affect many other industries.
I am not very interested in considering most of the article, as it relates to pornography. However, towards the end of the article the author began to touch on some very possible applications for the technology that would provide new opportunities for education.
Colleges across the country are dealing with the new implications of Title IV and how it applies to discrimination and harassment based on gender. A significant struggle is how to educate students about these issues in way that has meaning to them and is effective. Virtual reality may be the solution for this. In the column the author writes, “What if we had young people watch videos where they practice consent or practice identifying at-risk behaviors?” I think that this is a brilliant idea. Putting young people in a “live” situation, while they are completely sober, allows them to view the scenario from a different perspective. They are not pressured by peers or by alcohol. They can get the practice necessary to be comfortable asking for consent, giving consent or refusing consent. As important, young people can practice what to do in situations where consent is not given, but pressure if placed on them to give it. In this case they can be empowered to state their choice and leave the situation. Hopefully, those who would continue to pressure for consent, can also see the clear effect that has on the other person.
The article also discusses other opportunities for virtual reality, augmented reality and even robots involved with augmented reality. The author gives an example of people who return from war zones with PTSD. Being able to place the victims in the location(s) that the trauma occurred may allow them to confront these memories. Perhaps, it can even be used to help others understand the trauma that soldiers have suffered and from that be helpful in their healing.
Why does VR have a better chance at helping with these issues than the standard types of training and counseling? Because it creates an experience for the user. Watching PowerPoint slides along with 40 to 50 other people does not put someone in the moment. This is particularly true of high school age students, who may be too immature to appreciate what they are being taught. Even watching friends act out scenes (which is a common training method for sexual harassment and consent) does not put people in the exact situation. It does not give them the same experience. It is very easy to sit in an audience while the scene is going on and check your Facebook page, or in the case of younger students, laugh at what is going on. Being a virtual bystander in a room while this is occuring provides an entirely different experience. They hear the words, they see the behavior and they have the opportunity to react to it and step in. Their friends are not sitting next to them, so they don’t have to worry about what they are thinking.
As an integrator, designer or video producer, we all have great opportunities here to engage in very interesting and exciting new opportunities. In addition to being able to make a profit in a new market, you also have the opportunity to be involved in doing some real good for people. The opportunities I have written about are only a small part of what educational institutions around the country will be doing with these technologies over the next several years. By developing an expertise in your organization in developing videos, designing equipment and more importantly, helping to design the experience, you can set yourself up for a profitable and exciting market niche. Leave a Comment
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Extron Introduces Two Input DTP Wallplate Transmitters for 4K Video Extron just introduced the DTP T UWP 4K 232 D and the DTP T UWP 4K 332 D two input decorator-style transmitters. These new DTP products send HDMI, VGA, audio, and control signals up to 230 feet or 330 feet over a shielded CATx cable to a DTP-enabled product. They support video resolutions up to 4K (@30 Hz 4:4:4), are HDCP compliant, and include independent analog stereo audio connections. The two-input transmitters also offer many integrator-friendly features such as analog stereo audio embedding, EDID Minder, auto-switching between inputs, remote power capability and bidirectional RS232 pass-through for remote AV device control. The wall-mountable design provides the convenience of placing input connections precisely where they are needed. HDMI specification features include data rates up to 10.2 Gbps (3.4 Gbps per color).
The DTP T UWP 4K 232 D and DTP T UWP 4K 332 D provide reliable switching and transmission of HDMI and VGA signals. For added installation flexibility, a single external power supply may be connected at either the transmitter or the receiver in point-to-point installations. When connected with larger DTP-enabled switchers, such an IN1608 xi or DTP CrossPoint 4K matrix switcher, no local power connection is necessary at the transmitters.
For details on the DTP T UWP 4K 232 D and the DTP T UWP 4K 332 D, go here. Leave a Comment
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Hitachi Intros 5,000-Lumen Laser ProjectorToday Hitachi America introduced the LP-WU6500 laser projector as its newest member of the solid-state laser (SSL) projector line, specified at 5,000 lumens and a native WUXGA 1920×1200 resolution. Solid state laser projectors have a maintenance-free life, up to 20,000 hours and no changing lamps or replacing filters.
With WUXGA 1920×1200 resolution, the new 5,000-lumen laser projector is equipped with a built-in 1.65x zoom lens, HDBaseT, three HDMI digital inputs and is suitable for long life usage with an expected 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation. Like other SSL projectors from Hitachi, the LP-WU6500 is eligible for the OneVision program for higher education facilities.
Here are the more detailed specs. Leave a Comment
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Barco Enters LCD Video Wall with Solution That Even Includes the Mount
Barco is building its new UniSee direct-view LCDs, aimed at the video wall market, in Taiwan. And because the new UniSee line is aimed at simplifying the installation of LCD video walls, Barco has also custom-designed a UniSee mount that, the company says, guarantees less than a 1.09-millimeter separation between pixels from one monitor to the next (the smallest LCD video wall on the market now is about 3 millimeters) as well as ensures that one person can install an entire wall by him or herself.
Barco UniSee is a bezel-less LCD video wall (as I mentioned earlier, 1.09-mm from pixel to pixel between tiles/LCDs, but there is no actual bezel) with bi-directional communications designed to allow for intra-tile uniformity, brightness and optimal colorimetry. Barco is branding its bezel-less design as NoGap.
In addition to guaranteeing the smallest possible gap without damaging the panels’ edges, Barco has created the UniSee Mount: a creative mounting structure that uses the power of gravity to automatically align panels. Because it’s a mount that’s specifically designed for the UniSee, that’s how they made it so they can be installed without a lot of effort and by one person — it’s purpose-built and Lego-like.
Barco also says that Sense X − its automatic and real-time color and brightness calibration system − is what allows the wall to produce a balanced image at all times, even if a panel needs to be replaced. Barco has also re-engineered the design of the panels to counter all possible variations in brightness from the center to the edges. The result is intra-tile and inter-tile uniformity.
Because the LCD video wall is often part of a business-critical application, Barco has taken all possible measures to ensure optimal uptime. The platform is built in such a way that it can easily be diagnosed and serviced. The software platform (UniSee Connect) that manages the entire video wall automatically assigns and calibrates the panels and acts as the single point of connection for remote diagnostics and control. The panel, itself, is spec’d at 100,000 hours light source lifetime.
The panel is a 55” direct-view LCD, specified at 800 nits. I spoke to Barco’s Hans Dekeyser,VP sales enterprise this morning on rAVe RADIO and got the exclusive scoop behind the product the reason for the concept and how it’s different than any other video wall product on the market right now. You can listen to that here.
You can see the entire UniSee line here and it will be distributed by both Starin and Almo Pro A/V in North America but Barco has not released plans for distbution in the rest of the world yet.
One UniSee panel, including the mount, cabling and included five-year warranty, will list for $8,500. Barco says it will be available before the end of the year.
rAVe editor Sara Abrons is in New York City at the live launch. You can see an interview she did with UniSee designer Tom Dewaele here.
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Vaddio Ships AV Bridge MatrixMIX Multipurpose AV SwitcherVaddio is now shipping its new AV Bridge MatrixMIX Multipurpose AV Switcher. The AV Bridge MatrixMIX brings live event production to UCC applications such as Skype for Business, WebEx and Google Hangouts.
The AV Bridge MatrixMIX can be used in a variety of applications including live production, automated presentation and unified conferencing and collaboration. It offers a multi-functional feature set to combine switching, advanced camera control, streaming and graphics mixing capabilities – all from a single appliance.
When paired with Vaddio’s two other new products – the new PCC MatrixMIX Camera Controller and TeleTouch 27 USB Touch-Screen Multiviewer, an integrator can create customized solutions for a number of specific applications. For example, it can be used as a production switcher in a live event application, or it can be configured as a local presentation switcher for a lecture capture application in a larger lecture hall. The AV Bridge MatrixMIX can be configured for a PC-based collaboration session. Because it can be controlled and configured remotely, an operator can use the AV Bridge MatrixMIX in large enterprise and higher education applications where a centralized control center is used to control multiple AV rooms.
The AV Bridge MatrixMIX AV Switcher is an 8×2 video mixer that also provides multiviewer output. Its 11×7 audio mixer supports analog, HDMI, USB and IP audio channels. It offers embedded RTSP IP and USB 3.0 output streaming, plus four graphic keying layers per output channel.
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InFocus Intros Six New IN110 Series “Value” Projectors InFocus Corporation announces the immediate availability of six new entry level projectors for use in boardrooms, classrooms and on the go. The IN110xa series and IN110xv series round out InFocus’ line of “value” solutions, now upgraded with improved image performance, up to 3,500 lumens, dual-HDMI inputs and a 15,000-hour lamp that adjusts to the perfect level of brightness based on the type of content being viewed.
For connectivity options to connect to content, the IN112xa, IN114xa and IN116xa are equipped with all the standard connectivity needed for the classroom or conference room, including dual HDMI, VGA, S-Video and 3.5-millimeter audio ports, supporting the video and audio requirements of demanding users. The IN112xa, IN114xa, and IN116xa models deliver 3,500 lumens of brightness and an 18,000:1 contrast ratio for whiter whites, darker blacks and excellent image sharpness no matter what the image is being projected on, including beige walls, whiteboards or blackboards.
For bright images in any light at a low cost, the IN112xv, IN114xv and IN116xv models feature up to 3,400 lumens and a 16,000:1 contrast ratio.
To further extend the life of the battery, the IN110 series comes with the Eco Blanking feature to instantly dim the screen when the projector isn’t being used and reduce the lamp’s power consumption to 30-percent.
The IN110 series is priced from $499 to $710 list. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Atlona Ships HDR-Capable 4K HDMI-Over-HDBaseT Extender Atlona is shipping its AT-HDR-EX-70-2PS transmitter/receiver kit. Designed for both residential and commercial applications, it’s designed to extend 4K/UHD HDMI signals over HDBaseT with support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats.
The HDR-EX-70-2PS extends 4K HDR by combining latency-free, visually lossless (meaning it’s compressed but they say you can’t tell) compression with HDBaseT. Transporting signals up to 4K/UHD at 60 Hz with 4:4:4 chroma sampling (8-bit color) over Cat6a or Cat7 cable, the kit can extend 1080p video up to 230 feet (70 meters), while HDR-enhanced 4K content can be carried up to 130 feet (40 meters).
The new extender supports all video resolutions, audio formats – including PCM plus Dolby and DTS formats – and color spaces encompassed in the HDMI 2.0a specifications. Able to pass metadata for HDR content, the solution supports the 4K HDR10 standard at 60 Hz (4:2:0 chroma subsampling, 10-bit color) plus additional HDR variants. Additional key features include support for HDMI data rates up to 18 Gbps and HDCP 2.2 compliance for the transport of protected content.
The HDR-EX-70-2PS specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Comprehensive Intros CHE-HDBT2010 4K 18G HDBaseT Extender Kit Comprehensive Connectivity Company has launched its new CHE-HDBT2010 4K (18Gbps) HDBaseT Extender Kit. Comprehensive’s HDBaseT Extender supports 18G Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) 4K@60Hz 2160p and can extend HDMI signals up to 70 meters (230 feet) to a compatible display. This kit is designed to convert HDMI signals to a standard HDBaseT signal and transmit it over a single Ethernet (Cat5e or higher) cable. It also supports bi-directional POC, so there is no need to run additional power. The kit also includes two IR receivers and two transmitters, allowing for bidirectional infrared control of a connected HDMI source and display.
Here are the features:
- HDMI 2.0b (18Gbps), HDCP 2.2 and DVI compliant
- Video Resolutions up to 4K@60KHz (YUV 4:4:4)
- Bi-Directional POC, either TX or RX is powered by included power supply
- 10-bit HDR pass through
- HDMI High Bit Rate (HBR) audio pass through
- CEC bypass
- LPCM 2CH, Dolby Digital 2/5.1CH, DTS 2/5.1CH
- Transmission Distance (Cat6): 4K at 60Hz 4:4:4 up to 40 meters, 1080p at 60Hz up to 70 meters
- Kit includes transmitter and receiver
- RoHS Certified
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Extron DMP 128 Plus Audio DSP Processors with VoIP Now Shipping Extron just announced the immediate availability of two more DMP 128 Plus models, completing this line of audio DSP processors. The DMP 128 Plus C V and DMP 128 Plus C V AT include up to eight VoIP lines, with standard and wideband codec support, that can be configured as individual extensions or with multiple call appearance channels to support local conferencing applications. Utilizing SIP 2.0 for the widest possible of compatibility with existing and new VoIP installations, a single V model of the DMP 128 Plus Series can be used as a multiple-line device with conference calling support on a single VoIP line. The DMP 128 Plus C V and DMP 128 Plus C V AT models offer network-specific VoIP configuration managed through a dedicated web interface, where real-time SIP transaction logs eliminate the need for network capture software. This segregation of VoIP configuration allows IT and network administrators to manage the VoIP functions of DMP128 Plus devices without the need to develop a detailed knowledge of audio DSP configuration.
The DMP 128 Plus Series is the next generation of Digital Matrix Processors featuring Extron ProDSP 64-bit floating point technology. DMP 128 Plus Series processors are equipped with 12 analog mic/line inputs, eight analog outputs, up to four channels of digital audio input and output via USB, up to eight audio file players and new configurable multi-device macros. An ACP bus makes it easy to connect one or more ACP Series audio control panels, offering an economical solution for audio system control.
For detailed information on VoIP technology and compatibility, go here. For information about the DMP 128 Plus Series, go here. Leave a Comment
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Sharp Claims Industry’s Largest Monitor Specifically Designed For Video Walls with New 70″ Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA), a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, today introduced what it says is the largest monitor specifically designed for video walls in the industry, the PN-V701.
The newest addition to Sharp’s family of displays is designed for use in stores and shops that are looking to affordably create wow factor. With a bezel of just 4.4 millimeters, large images on the video wall appear natural and seamless. The 70″ Class (69.5″ diagonal) monitor allows integrators to assemble video walls with fewer monitors and less bezel lines, minimizing the non-display areas and maximizing value for users. Developed specifically for use in multi-monitor installations, the PN-V701 display is rated for 24/7 operation and can be arranged in portrait or landscape orientation. It’s also approximately 16 percent lighter in weight than the 60″ Class (60″ diagonal) PN-V601A display.
The PN-V701 comes equipped with Sharp’s Inverse Scan function. Designed to correct image misalignments by alternating the scanning direction between vertically adjacent monitors, Inverse Scan creates smooth, natural images on the large video wall. Additional features include SHARP Advanced Uniform Color Calibration Technology (UCCT), which can deliver uniformity of color and brightness across the entire video wall. The monitor also has an HDBaseT Receiver Board. By installing the optional receiver, the PN-V701 display is able to receive HDMI video, audio signals and control signals sent up to 100 meters away through a single Cat6 cable.
The PN-V701 is scheduled to ship this month and here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Delvcam Introduces a 4K Media Player With 10 HDMI Outputs Delvcam has introduced the DELV-4KMP110 Media Player with ten 3840×2160@60Hz HDMI outputs and an Android 6.0.1 operating system. Delvcam says that at 2160p, the subsampling rate is 4:4:4 at 30fps and 4:2:0 at 60fps.
The Delvcam DELV-4KMP110 media player allows for video source selection between its built in 500GB SATA hard drive, a USB stick or a HDMI input feed from a camera or recorder. It also has built-in Wi-Fi to bring in video streams from the Internet. USB ports can be utilized to add a keyboard and mouse to simplify browser based searching.
The DELV-4KMP110 Media Player features a 2.2 GHz eight-core GPU with 2GB of RAM and includes IR remote control, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections as well as ten HDMI outputs with a maximum resolution of 4Kx2K@60Hz. Supporting multiple video and audio formats, the Delvcam Media Player can be used for audio/video playback, gaming, digital signage, classroom instruction and point-of-sale displays.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Barco’s A/V Control Solution Gets Upgrade Barco announced an update to its A/V control solution Overture. New automation features that allow users to better schedule events and automate behaviors are now available to existing and new customers.
Released in February 2017, Overture created a revolution in A/V control solutions. Because it’s an IP-based software system where any network-connected device can be controlled via a browser.
By introducing new automation features, Overture allows users to get the most out of their A/V Control systems. Overture’s ‘Behaviors’ enable the automatic creation of a task associated to a specific point (device, room, location). For example, an administrator can set a task to automatically switch on or off all the devices on the same floor at the end of the workday — without any programming. Moreover, the detection of the state of a variable can be used as a trigger for automation. For example, the moment a ClickShare button is plugged into a laptop, the projector will automatically power on and switch to the ClickShare source.
The ‘Scheduler’ capability now enables users to set certain actions at pre-defined times, such as turning off all devices at night to save electricity. With the addition of the Behaviors and Scheduler functions, a facility or IT manager can easily configure the system to enable the entire enterprise to be controlled with the click of a button or even execute tasks automatically at specific times.
You can learn about Overture here. Leave a Comment
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Vaddio Launches ConferenceSHOT FX Fixed USB Camera Vaddio is now shipping its new ConferenceSHOT FX Fixed USB Camera. The ConferenceSHOT FX is an enterprise-level camera that plugs into a USB port and works with major UCC soft-clients.
Designed for small conference rooms and huddle spaces, the ConferenceSHOT FX has an extra-wide 88-degree field of view to capture everyone in the meeting room. Its USB 3.0 output sends uncompressed, high resolution video over USB and is capable of 1080p/60fps for the smoothest video available.
ConferenceSHOT FX has a web-based user interface for remote configuration, management, and control. Its offers a 3x optical zoom with configurable presets and manual pan/tilt operation. Users can automatically or manually adjust image color, shading, backlight and wide dynamic range to optimize color for different settings.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Extron Ships 16 Output Audio Expansion Interface for DMP 128 Plus Audio DSP Processors Extron announced the availablity of its new AXI 016, a sixteen output audio expansion interface for DMP 128 Plus audio DSP systems. The AXI 016 connects to the EXP expansion port on the DMP 128 Plus, transforming the matrix from an eight-output device into a 24 output device. Since all of the high performance, low-latency DSP processing occurs within the attached DMP 128 Plus, no separate configuration is needed for the AXI 016. The AXI 016 audio expansion interface also supports audio DSP systems that integrate a DMP 128 Plus and a DTP CrossPoint matrix switcher.
The AXI 016 provides a powerful tool for AV system designers to create DMP 128 Plus systems that support larger distributed audio applications that were previously not possible using a single DMP 128 Plus DSP processor. The DMP 128 Plus models feature an extensive mix matrix allowing all outputs, including the 16 expansion bus outputs used by the AXI 016, to be discretely sourced and routed from any input. When used with a DMP 128 Plus AT model, Dante audio sources can also be processed and routed to the outputs of the AXI 016.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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DVIGear Launches 4K HyperLight DisplayPort CablesDVIGear has introduced its HyperLight Series – Active Optical Cables (AOC) for 4K resolution applications. These cables support the extension of DisplayPort 1.4 signals with aggregate data rates up to 32.4 Gbps. (HBR3) and are HDCP 1.4 / 2.2 compliant. They support resolutions up to 8K / 30Hz (4:4:4) for cable lengths up to 50 meters (164 feet) and 4K / 60Hz (4:4:4) for cables up to 100 meters (328 feet).
Constructed using a hybrid design of four POF (Polyfluorinated Optical Fiber) and six copper wires, plenum-rated HyperLight cables are rugged, lightweight and highly flexible, with a minimum bend radius of just two millimeters. The cables have two removable DisplayPort docking connectors may be detached, revealing a connector cross-section that measures just 10 by 12.4 millimeters. The docking connectors include a locking pin plus an optional pulling sleeve, make the cables easy to install in narrow conduits or in plenum air spaces.
The high speed DisplayPort signals are transmitted over four optical fibers, which DVIGear says make them immune to interference from environmental noise. The optical transmission path provides a very low RFI / EMI profile, which allows the cables to be installed in sensitive applications with strict security requirements. The cables draw power from the connected DisplayPort source, eliminating the need for an external power supply. These cables are available now in a wide range of cable lengths up to 100 meters (328 feet).
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Epson Intros PowerLite 2000-Series Wireless and Portable Projectors Epson today announced the PowerLite 2247U, 2142W, and 2042 – three new wireless, portable projectors that are designed to excel in a variety of environments, including rooms with lots of ambient lighting. The PowerLite 2000-Series is aimed at higher education, corporations, and houses of worship. In addition, the new series features a compact and versatile form factor for portability or installation, and comes equipped with enterprise level security.
Epson projectors feature 3-chip LCD technology and inputs include MHL and HDMI as well as network ports. The high-end PowerLite 2247U and 2142W models offer wireless screen mirroring from a smartphone or streaming device using Miracast. The PowerLite 2142W is native WXGA (1280×800) resolution, and the PowerLite 2247U is WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution. In addition, the PowerLite 2042 with XGA (1024×768) resolution provides 4,400 lumens of color brightness and 4,400 lumens of white brightness. The PowerLite 2247U and 2142W models provide 4,200 lumens of color brightness and 4,200 lumens of white brightness. All of the projectors are spec’d to allow for 12,000 hours operation in ECO Mode.
The PowerLite 2247U will be available in November, and the PowerLite 2142W, and PowerLite 2042 models will be available in December. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Christie Debuts DWU630-GS Projector, Aims at Higher EdSpecified to operate for 20,000 hours, the new DWU630-GS from Christie is a native WUXGA (1920×1200) resolutions 1-chip DLP projector that outputs 6700 ISO and 6,000 ANSI lumens. Using a blue laser phosphor light source, the DWU630-GS is aimed at the higher education markets but can be used nearly everywhere, to be frank. It includes two HDMI (1.4) ports, one DVI and VGA port and has HDBaseT as well as a network content port.
Featuring Christie RealBlack technology for solid-state illumination, the DWU630-GS produces a 4,000,000:1 full on/off contrast ratio. It ships this month and here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
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Barco’s weConnect Relaunches as Cloud-Based Digital Platform (aka AVaaS)Barco today launched the updated weConnect 1.2. But the big story here is in the details that are buried in the press release. The collaborative cloud-based learning solution is aimed at higher education and now has two new use cases and new upgrades.
- Adding interactive huddle space and lecture hall as brand-new use cases
- Modular cloud-based solution which enables customers to customize rooms
weConnect expands its possibilities to premium huddle spaces and lecture halls next to connected classrooms and collaboration rooms. Adding these two new use cases, Barco enables universities to implement the BYOD-centered active learning solution in different set ups all over the campus, where teachers and students can collaborate and interact, using their own devices and connecting to the system via the campus Wi-Fi.
Another cool new feature of weConnect is called Quiz me, quick. This particular upgrade takes classroom interactivity and collaboration to the next level by introducing silent questions, as well as launching quizzes and polls in under five seconds in all classrooms. But here’s the big news (read carefully!!!): weConnect 1.2 will be offered as a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), subscription-based business model enabled by Barco’s new web-based Digital Engagement Platform. This platform will be open to US-based partners and customers from today onwards and in a later stage in countries in Europe. It will serve as a digital collaborative portal allowing them to manage their subscriptions in an easy and efficient way.
In other words, AVaaS — AV as a Service, yes, AV as a Service. This will allow integrators to get recurring revenue — even when the customer/school buys the service or products from Barco. So even though the school can, technically, add users and functionality through the cloud using Barco’s Digital Engagement Platform, Barco will still reward the dealer for the relationship (and sale).
Currently, the weConnect platform can be specified and ordered in four different configurations: Collaboration Rooms, Classrooms, Lecture Halls and Interactive Huddle Spaces. Each can be specified and designed via Barco’s online Digital Engagement Platform here. Barco’s weConnect 1.2 also offers innovative, flexible configuration, which gives universities the opportunity to adapt the classrooms depending on the lecture needs. Automatic reconfiguration, the possibility to add overflow rooms and room role options add a new dynamic to the room management on campus. Ease-of-use and intuitive interfaces guide facility managers and teachers with confidence towards the classroom they need, adapted to the way they teach. And, now, weConnect includes single sign-in! Barco’s collaborative learning solution uses the physical infrastructure of the existing campus network. With the upgrade it offers a custom university URL and allows a Single Sign-on. Barco’s weConnect is here. Leave a Comment
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AC-MX44-AUHD-HDBT AVProConnect Is 18Gbp Switcher
AVProConnect’s 18Gbps AC-MX44-AUHD-HDBT is a 4×4 HDBaseT matrix switcher. Each output block switch contains both a mirrored HDMI and HDBaseT port capable of handling full 18Gbps video signals with HDR metadata. Along with high bandwidth distribution, features include IR and RS232 control, EDID management, scaling, audio matrixing, audio delay and more. This matrix supports HDMI 2.0(a/b), HDCP 2.2, up to 4K video resolution, and up to 18 Gbps bandwidth via category cable by using a proprietary HDBaseT technology called ICT (Invisible Compression Technology). This matrix equalizes and amplifies the output to ensure the HDMI signal can be transmitted through long HDMI cables without loss of quality. This matrix features:
- HDMI 2.0(a/b)
- 18Gbps uncompressed bandwidth support on HDMI
- 18 Gbps with ICT on HDBaseT outputs
- 4K60 4:4:4 support
- Full HDR Support (HDR 10 & 12 Bit)
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG Support
- HDCP 2.2 (and all earlier versions supported)
- 1080p > 4K up-scaling on HDMI outputs
- 4K > 1080p down-scaling on HDBaseT outputs
- Advanced EDID management
- IR, RS232 and LAN control options
- Digital Toslink Out (7CH PCM, DD, DD+, DTS, DTS-MA)
- Built-in Test Pattern on each output to verify infrastructure
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