Volume 10, Issue 16 — August 22, 2012

Click here to read rAVe ProAV Edition online
Click here to subscribe now!

A New Era in AV Technology Integration

By Mario J. Maltese
AQAV's Executive Director

Note from Gary: We're taking a stand. As a regular reader of rAVe, you know that we don't just report news. We explain why a particular product or technology matters (or doesn't) and why you as an integrator, design consultant or manufacturer should care about something. We don't just re-publish press releases as news; we take a stand.

So in that tradition, we're endorsing AQAV – the Association for Quality in Audio Visual Technology and its push to get everyone in AV to adopt what it's calling AV9000. The AV9000 Compliance Program is intended to provide a "stepping stone" for companies to demonstrate their commitment to quality on behalf of the end user. It addresses the Quality Management used by Manufacturers, Designers, AV Integrators and Technology Managers as well. It requires effort and those who can attain the Certificate of AV9000 Compliance earn the right to use the logo in promotional materials as a means of validating that conviction.

This will not be easy for an AV integrator to attain. But, it will serve as a differentiation point between those who are just glorified hand-and-bangers and those who are truly AV integration firms.

So today, along with AQAV's executive director Mario J. Maltese, we start an multi-part series on the AV9000 standard and why you should care and consider adopting it.

Isn’t AV Technology great? It can do so much more… faster, brighter, higher resolution, clearer audio… it’s simply amazing. Buyers can’t get enough. And there are new technologies, products and features coming out every year. It’s tough to keep up.

So tough, actually, that even the people charged with designing, furnishing and installing this technology are struggling to the point of never finishing a project. The more complex an engineered AV system is, the more difficult it is to complete.

The players may have joined the industry from several different paths. Some came from “box houses,” whose margins shrunk dramatically with the speed of the internet buyer. Some came from the commercial sound industry, where the complexities of digital video, display engineering and AV control are new concepts. Some came from the IT industry, where electro-acoustics, digital video and visual acuity are foreign to the pre-engineered systems they were used to.

The point is, if you are still designing and installing systems the way they were being designed and installed ten years ago, you’re in a real pickle. And the probability that customers actually receive what they thought they were going to receive at the time of order is getting smaller.

Surprisingly, there are some that are actually still purchasing equipment, shipping it to the installation site, and think they can just hire an outside contractor to hook it up. The reality is quite different. Those contractors spend three to five times the estimated hours on-site, the AV system is oftentimes never completed and the installer simply writes off any retainer that was written into the contract. Despite rising sales, net profits are abysmal, and the customer’s apparent and hidden losses are unbelievable (estimated to be $17B industry-wide).

For one reason or another, the AV Technology industry has been loathe to embrace what other industries have also been forced to, which is a set of critical management principles and techniques that are essential if the customer is to get what was ordered, and if the companies that fill those orders is to make profits with pride and integrity.

It’s called Quality Management, and there are a growing number of enlightened AV and IT companies that have implemented a Quality Management System (QMS). Simply put, a QMS is a defined system of processes that a company uses to assure that the company actually delivers what was promised, as well as provide for continual improvement. These processes define how information and product moves through an organization efficiently. In other words, it addresses the human systems that companies use to design and install AV systems.

Nearly all companies possess some form of a QMS, but more than likely it is not well defined, not followed by everyone, or is missing key aspects of quality that are necessary for the bottom line.

A QMS is unique to each company and location. This is because a company’s individuals possess varying degrees of knowledge, experience and skills, and so the processes must channel work flow accordingly.

There is one area of common ground that all AV companies can share. That is in the metrics, or the measurements and inspection that all companies can use when they put a system together. One can’t simply blow into a microphone, hear sound out of the loudspeakers, and expect that the client will be satisfied that the sound system has been installed. The client expects more. Is it loud enough? Is it noisy? Does it distort? Shouldn’t there be a standard battery of tests that can be included in every AV company’s QMS to consistently assure that each and every system has been completed?

Engineered AV systems are complex. The tests need to be:

• Comprehensive enough to catch ALL defects in a system before it is presented to the client, so that the AV company does not have to return for profit-eroding service calls.
• Efficient enough to be economically applied. Testing and verification costs money, and adds to the Cost of Quality. They must be simple, easily applied, and focus on the design and integration effort.
• As objective as possible. The tests need measurements with calibrated instrumentation. Unless you can place a number on something, all you have is a biased, subjective opinion, and grounds for time-wasting poor communications between parties.

That is where the AV9000:2012 Standard comes in, and goes beyond. It indeed presents a guide that has been proven, in over a thousand systems, to be the simplest, most cost effective criteria for verifying that the engineered AV systems is indeed complete, free of defects, and compliant with the customer’s expectations in product, practices and performance. But it also presents criteria for verifying that the system is in compliance at every key milestone in a project’s development. In this way, defects can be identified and corrected early on, when the cost for corrective actions are significantly lower than they would be if detected after the system has been permanently installed.

AV9000:2012 is the most significant event to happen to the AV industry in years. Its significance is amplified because it is written specifically for the benefit of the end users, and in doing so will therefore benefit all the AV industry stakeholders.

When the Standard is consistently followed, the effects on the AV Company are dramatic. Pride in their craft overtakes the “catch-me-if-you-can” mindset. The team focuses on improving the process, rather than finger-pointing. Retention improves.

The AV9000 Standard is the product of the non-profit group The Association for Quality in Audio Visual Technology, Inc. (“AQAV”), which also provides training on the standard and certification on the operational art of AV system quality audits.

More information can be found on the AQAV website, which can be found here: http://www.aqav.org

Share Article

Back to Top

Click here for more information

AV People: Laurie Englert of Chief

By Molly Stillman
Director of Marketing and New Business Development

Laurie Englert was a normal woman working in the AV industry — at the top of her career, married and a mother of two great kids.

In June of 2004, everything changed. Her husband committed suicide. He had suffered from mild depression and had gotten to a point where it all got to be too much and decided to take his own life. He was a talented interior designer, but most importantly, an incredible father.

Laurie was in shock. And left with her two children who, at the time, were 4 and 8 years old.

Within hours of learning the news, people everywhere offered their condolences and the typical-and-often-said, “I’m so sorry for your loss. You know, if there’s anything I can do let me know.”

And, of course, Laurie didn’t know what she needed. She didn’t know what she wanted. She didn’t know what to say. She was in a perpetual state of shock and all she could think to do next was put one foot in front of the other.

“What I noticed through this process is there are a ton of people who kept saying, ‘Call me if you need anything!’”,  Laurie recalled. “And truth is, I’m never going to call you. I’m independent; I rarely reach out for help. I will try until my death bed to do it myself. And at the end of the day, most people don’t know how to help but they feel they need to say or offer something… even though they aren’t likely to actually reach out and help.”

You know, so often we find ourselves faced with tragedy, or we see a friend or loved one go through something unthinkable… and so often, we don’t know what to do. We don’t know what to say. So all we can do or say is, “Call me if there’s anything I can do,” knowing full well they’re never going to call us. But we feel better having offered.

Except for the few that do. However, They don’t ask. They just… do.

Within hours of the news, Laurie’s friend Sally, who also happens to be a senior event planner at Chief, showed up at Laurie’s door. Sally asked Laurie, “How’s it going? How are funeral plans going?”

Laurie stared at her. Nothing to say. She didn’t know what to say.

Sally’s response? “OK, then. I’ll be back in a few hours.”

Well, a few hours later, Sally was back, put a post-it note on Laurie’s counter with times and places Laurie needed to be. The church was notified, florist was arranged, the meetings were scheduled, and Sally had taken care of it all. Laurie didn’t have to do a thing except be where Sally told her to be.

“I wasn’t in a state of mind to make decisions. Sally just made them for me. And that was the best thing I could have ever not asked for,” said Laurie.

It was this kind of help from someone like Sally – her action of “not asking, just doing” that gave Laurie the idea for Don’t Ask, Just Do.

This year, Laurie is launching the site, Dontaskjustdo.org and is in the process of writing a book about her experiences and the experiences of others in times of need.

It’s a resource for people who want to help, but often don’t know what to do.

Laurie remembered that a few friends had shown up to her house with a basket of lotions, towels and things to make her feel better. Another showed up with a basket of M&Ms and popcorn… but those things aren’t Laurie at all.

“Not that they were bad gifts, or that any gift is a BAD gift, but a lot of times you need to consider the person… understand who that person it. Ask a friend or relative what they need,” said Laurie.

Another friend showed up and cleaned out Laurie’s husband’s closet… clearly something Laurie was in no place to do. Laure said, “Things like that are the things people might not think about doing, but if they saw or read about it in a book, they might.”

“The concept behind the book and the website is, ultimately, to share my story and all of the cool things that happened to me without ever asking for any of them,” said Laurie. “But also, to share others’ stories.”

The idea literally came to Laurie’s mind after she was done digesting everything that had happened and was so thankful to the people who were so helpful. And she committed to herself that she would always be there for someone who was in a tragic situation.

Laurie went to bookstores and searched the Internet, but there was nothing out there. There were very little resources for handling tragic situations like Laurie’s and she knew that she could do something about it.

In the past eight months, Laurie partnered with Susan Misukanis of Top Rank Marketing out of Minneapolis who is helping her develop the website and launch the book. When the site officially launches, there will be greeting cards, t-shirts, and other elements for sale in addition to the ability to share and read the stories of others.

If you are interested in sharing your story or finding out about how you can help with Don’t Ask, Just Do, visit their website at dontaskjustdo.org.

“It’s not about making a billion dollars off the idea. It’s about trying to help others. How do you help people live a better life and feel good when they walk away from a tragedy or tragic event? And it doesn’t have to be death, it can be someone who lost his/her job, is dealing with an aging parent, a health issue, or a child suffering from bullying… anything really,” said Laurie.

I think if we all approached life and tragedy the way Laurie does, we’d all be able to make a difference in the lives of others.

Molly Stillman is the director of marketing and new business development for rAVe [Publications]. Reach her at molly@ravepubs.com

Share Article

Back to Top

Heroes of the AV Industry

By Joel Rollins
rAVe Columnist

Any of you who have been reading my column for a while (thanks, by the way) know that I'm addicted to news. Television, the Internet, magazines, newspapers — it doesn't matter. I'm fascinated by what goes on in the world because it's usually stranger and more interesting than fiction.

Two really significant things have gone on this past week, in my humble opinion, and I'm rather bewildered by the contrast between them. The two events I speak of are the Olympic competition in London, and the landing of the Curiosity rover on the planet Mars.

The Olympics have been the lead story since they opened, as they often are. American heroes in their Chinese-made “Swiss Miss” uniforms, battling for the gold.

Inspiring indeed.

On the other hand, while it got a fair amount of attention, the landing of the rover was treated as the "B" story, with a great deal of tongue-in-cheek commenting about it being a great moment for geeks.

And I think the two stories should have been reversed. America has never fallen behind the world in athletics (even if there is a lot of debate about our general fitness). But we HAVE been told we were falling behind in science and math. And for all of us, NASA just told the rest of the world that America can still pull off technology advances that will make heads spin. They shouted, for all of us, “Oh, yeah, critics? Take a Mars rover up your…”

So, this week, I've been doing a lot of thinking about heroes… both the kind we consciously elevate to that status, and the kind we neglect to. And the kind we have to thank for the AV/staging industry we enjoy. So, without further ado, here are just a few of the people I think should be heroes of OUR industry:

Thomas Alva Edison: The Wizard of Menlo Park has always held a special place in my heart (his portrait has always been on the wall in my office, wherever I happen to be). The incandescent electric light, audio recording, the motion picture… the list goes on and on. Edison fathered many of the technologies that spawned our industry. He had a couple of famous quotes that I felt defined us, too. He said “Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration,” which is true, but most people don’t know he went on to say “Often, a genius is merely a talented person who has done their homework” — which I think defines the AV business. More of Edison’s wisdom can be found here: http://www.thomasedison.com/quotes.html

George Eastman: A great and self-made American inventor and entrepreneur, George invented the first flexible roll film, which made movies practical, and founded the company “Kodak.” Ever hear of it? The Great Yellow Father, as a corporation, did more to create the modern AV industry than any other organization. Now dying an unfortunate death, they, and their founder, deserve our respect for what they have left to us.

Rube Goldberg: Rube was the Pulitzer-winning cartoonist whose fantastically complicated inventions amused the world for decades. His drawings of the pitfalls of modern technology, I feel, illustrate what we do for a living. In the staging (and general AV) worlds, as we work to bring multiple products together into a working whole, we often feel like we’re trying to get the squirrel to pull the string and free the chicken from the cage to eat the corn to unbalance the… whatever. More about Rube and his work here: http://www.rubegoldberg.com/?page=bio

PC Guy: Actor John Hodgman played the ultimate AV geek in the commercials where he was up against the Red Bull-drinking, grungy, “cool” kid who was “Mac.” I mean, I’m a Mac user, but I have to admit identifying more with PC Guy, who was much more realistic about working with technology than the annoyingly smug kid who tormented him. Plus, didn’t he remind you of Gary? 😉

Apple pulled the ads, mostly because those of us who buy and implement technology seemed to sympathize with PC Guy. More of my friend here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntZ14BAFMyo

So that’s it, just a few of the people who I think should be heroes to our industry. Not a complete list, but we have to start somewhere. Send me your nominations, and we’ll post a list on the blog.

rAVe Rental [and Staging] contributor Joel R. Rollins, CTS, is general manager of Everett Hall Associates, Inc. and is well known throughout the professional AV industry for his contributions to industry training and his extensive background in AV rental, staging and installation. Joel can be reached at joelrollins@mac.com

Share Article

Back to Top

Click here for more information

Almo's Fall E4 Tour Hits Dallas and NY — Kayye to Bring Back Krystal Ball

Almo Professional A/V, in partnership with InfoComm International, has now opened registration for the Fall 2012 portion of its E4 AV training and networking event. Almo will stop in Dallas on Sept. 13 and New York on Oct. 3, bringing more than 30 manufacturing partners displaying hundreds of new products. Almo will also offer a newly updated set of 13 educational sessions, many of which are worth CTS Renewal Units (RUs).
 
An overview of the Almo Pro A/V E4 AV Tour can be viewed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKp02YBhstI

The Dallas E4 educational schedule will be broken down into the following three educational tracks to help attendees navigate their way through the day:
 
Emerging Technology:

• Gary Kayye, rAVe [Publications]: Predicting A/V Futures with Kayye’s Krystal Ball LIVE (1 CTS RU)
• Alan and Jonathon Brawn, Brawn Consulting: The Art of “Techorating” with Displays for Commercial Applications (1 CTS RU)
• Alan and Jonathon Brawn, Brawn Consulting: Best Practices for Installing Large Format Displays (1 CTS RU)
• Don Hickey, Samsung Electronics: Interactive Display Tables with Natural Interfaces – The Future is Here

Technical Knowledge:

• Brian Menchew, C2G: Introduction to Master Antenna TV and RF Distribution (1 CTS RU)
• Tom Kehr, Infocomm International: Power Grounding Best Practices (1 CTS RU)
• Tom Kehr, InfoComm International: Designing and Specifying Displays Systems (1 CTS RU)
• Dave Gentile, NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc.: Video Walls: A Start to Finish Guide for Success

Business Savvy:

• Alan and Jonathon Brawn, Brawn Consulting: How to Play in the IT Sandbox with A/V Installations (1 CTS RU)
• Tom Kehr, InfoComm International: On the Go Apps (1 CTS RU)
• Jay Jenkins, AMX: How Selling Configurable Room Control Solutions Can Increase Your Revenue & Margins
• Brian Rhatigan, Almo Professional A/V: Digital Signage Content Delivery Methods
• Jennifer H. Willard, CTS, Women in AV (WAVE): What is Mentoring and Why It's Important to You

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore multi-touch interactive displays and lampless LED projectors. They can learn the ins-and-outs of media players, see examples of signal distribution over long distances and coax, and learn first-hand how to create video wall configurations with control systems. They can also win prizes from sponsors worth a total of over $5,000.
 
The E4 Dallas event will take place on Sept. 13 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas while the E4 New York event is on Oct. 3 at the Meadowlands Expo Center. Both events run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and are entirely free, including parking, to Almo Pro A/V’s reseller, integrator and consultant partners. To register, go to http://www.e4avtour.com/

Share Article

Back to Top

InfoComm Sets Dates for U.S. Shows Through 2019

InfoComm International has announced its future rotation plans for its annual InfoComm exposition and conference.
 
InfoComm 2013 will be held at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center's West Building, June 12 to 14. InfoComm 2014 will be held at Las Vegas Convention Center's North and Central Halls, June 18 to 20. The show will rotate between the two cities in the same halls in mid-June thereafter through 2019. InfoComm has signed lease agreements with both facilities.
 
"InfoComm exhibitors and attendees have been well accommodated in both Orlando and Las Vegas, and we are pleased to continue our rotation between these great convention cities," said Jason McGraw, CTS, CAE, senior vice president of expositions, InfoComm International. "Our show has experienced phenomenal growth over the past several years based in large part to the well-run convention centers, large hotel selection and premium entertainment options offered by both of these destinations."
 
A schedule of future dates appears below:

• 2013 – Show 6/12-6/14, Conference 6/8-6/14, Orlando
• 2014 – Show 6/18-6/20, Conference 6/14-6/20, Las Vegas
• 2015 – Show 6/17-6/19, Conference 6/13-6/19, Orlando
• 2016 – Show 6/8-6/10, Conference 6/4-6/10, Las Vegas
• 2017 – Show 6/14-6/16, Conference 6/10-6/16, Orlando
• 2018 – Show 6/6-6/8, Conference 6/2-6/8, Las Vegas
• 2019 – Show 6/12-6/14, Conference 6/8-6/14, Orlando

Share Article

Back to Top

New Forrester Research Report Ranks Videoconferencing Solution Vendors

A new report from Forrester Research, The Forrester Wave: Room-Based Videoconferencing, Q3 2012, uses 39 criteria to evaluate the top vendors in the industry, assessing video collaboration solutions for every work environment — from mobile and desktops to room systems and immersive telepresence — along with the services that support them.

The report covers:

• Firms Look to Video Conferencing to Make Virtual Meetings Better — Vendors Differentiate on Endpoint Portfolios, Deployment Models, and UC Strategies
• Room-Based Videoconferencing Evaluation Overview
• Vendor Scale and a Focus on Room-Based Systems Narrows the Field — Leaders Have a Complete Portfolio of Offerings
• Vendor Profiles — Leaders Have Broad Portfolios and UC Integration Strategies

Polycom is offering the report for free on its website: http://response.polycom.com/forms/05-DR-PS-ForresterWaveReport-Register

Share Article

Back to Top

Recently from the AVNation Podcasts

• Daily rAVe Episode 113: Mark Your Calendars
• AVWeek Episode 54: The Gray Side of the Force!
• Daily rAVe Episode 112: Sharp Heads for the Hills?
• Daily rAVe Episode 111: Get Your Green On
• Daily rAVe Episode 110: Audio From the Future
• Daily rAVe Episode 109: CEDIA Countdown
• AVWeek Episode 53: There's a Tree on My Car
• Daily rAVe Episode 109: Fox-ie Switcher
• Daily rAVe Episode 107: Random Friday
• Daily rAVe Episode 106: The Netflix Killer
• Daily rAVe Episode 105: I've Got a Bad Feeling About This

Back to Top

This Week from rAVe's BlogSquad

• Jennifer Willard: Women in AV: Let's Meet Up at the Almo Pro A/V E4 AV Tour!
• Johnny Mota: Close Deals Faster — My Favorite Feature of D-Tools SIX
• Lee Distad: Battle of the Repacks
• Molly Stillman: But ARE There Really No Stupid Questions?
• Olivia Dumanovsky: CEDIA Through a Pair of Blue Eyes
• Jennifer Willard: Hello, Are You There, Videoconferencing?
• Lee Distad: Don't Fall in Love With Your Hardware

Back to Top

Click here for more information

Christie Ships 4K 25,000-Lumen D4K25 Projector

Although it just debuted at InfoComm, Christie's new D4K25 — a 4096×2160 three-chip DLP spec'd at 25,000 ANSI lumens of brightness — is already shipping. Carrying a contrast ratio of 2000:1, the D4K25 includes four 3G HD-SDI inputs and two HDMI inputs. It offers a Xenon bubble lamp, is controllable via RS232 or IP (ChristieNET) and has seven optional lenses ranging from 1.13:1 to 7.69:1.

You can see all the specs here: http://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/business/products/projectors/3-chip-dlp/Pages/Christie-D4K25-3-chip-DLP-4K-projector.aspx

Share Article

Back to Top

Sharp Intros 2800-Lumen WXGA Projector For $1,100

The new Sharp PG-LW2000 is a WXGA (1280×800) projector aimed at classrooms and small meeting rooms. Specified at 2800 lumens and priced at only $1,100, the single-chip DLP-based PG-LW2000 is 3D-ready, offers a contrast ratio of 2000:1, uses a five-segment color wheel, has instant on/off, weighs in at just 5 pounds and has both HDMI and VGA/component video inputs. The lens that ships with it is capable of projecting with a throw ratio of 1.9-2.3:1.

All the specs are here: https://www.ravepubs.com/utility/documents/PG_LX2000_PG_LW2000_PG_LS2000-1.pdf

Share Article

Back to Top

Panasonic Debuts Brighter LCD Monitors

The new LF5 Series of LCD monitors from Panasonic are available in 42” and 47”. They carry a brightness spec of 500 cd/m2 as well as a number of GreenAV features including auto-off and ambient light detection called an Eco-Mode. When in Eco-Mode, the light sensor detects the ambient light level and controls the brightness of the backlight accordingly. This helps save energy by reducing the backlight power consumption. They are also specified to last for 50,000 hours.

Both are 1080p LED back-lit LCDs (18 millimeters thick) and can be mounted in landscape or portrait modes, using commercial-grade LCDs for 24/7/365 operation.

You can see all the specs here: http://www.panasonic.com/business-solutions/digital-signage.asp

Share Article

Back to Top

Sharp Debuts New 60" LCD With 2.4-Millimeter Bezel

The new 60" LED-backlit LCD PN-V600 display has what Sharp is claiming is the thinnest bezel on the market. Designed for video wall applications where you want to create a giant, almost seamless image, the PN-V600 is specified to have only a 2.4-millimeter bezel on the right and bottom and 4.1 millimeter on the left and top of the display, making the entire bezel when in a video wall configuration 6.5 millimeter. It's designed to let you build video walls as large as 25 screens (in a 5×5 configuration).

Specified at 450 cd/m2 brightness, the PM-V600 is a full-array, LED-backlit monitor with a native 1365×768 resolution. The display is also Energy Star-qualified, using 310 watts of max power.

Full details are here: https://www.ravepubs.com/utility/documents/sharp-PNV600_PNV601+FSC.pdf

Share Article

Back to Top

Click here for more information

Sharp Debuts Commercial Grade LED HDTVs

Nearly a year after most MCD manufacturers debuted LED-backlit LCDs, Sharp has finally launched a commercial-grade (meaning it can be on 24/7/365), LED edge-lit LCD display in 42" and 46" sizes. Dubbed the LB-T422U and LB-T462U, these displays are 1920×1080 LCDs that offer a 6000:1 contrast ratio and include HDMI, VGA and video ports, as well as a built-in TV tuner. Control is either RS232 or network-based.

The LB-T422U and LB-T462U list for $1,250 and $1,495, respectively.

Complete specs are here: http://www.sharpusa.com/ForBusiness/PresentationProducts/ProfessionalLCDMonitors.aspx

Share Article

Back to Top

Medialine Ships Transparent LCD Box for Retail Applications

Medialine is now shipping its LCDBOX 2200, which is a transparent display box that comes in 22” and 46” sizes. The transparent LCDBOX has an integrated USB media player so you can play content (related to the product on display inside the box) on the transparent LCD. Designed in Netherlands for retail use, the user simply inserts her USB stick with content and it’s ready to go.

Learn more here: http://www.medialine.tv/ise-photos.html

Share Article

Back to Top

eyevis Debuts Another 4K LCD Monitor

You read that right. eyevis, the German-based DS company has shown rAVe Europe its new 31.5" 4K resolution (3840×2160) LCD monitor — adding the EYE-LCD-3150-QHD-LD monitor to its 60" and a 56" 4K monitors the company started shipping earlier this summer.

The high resolution of 3840×2160 pixels is achieved through a revised and highly compact pixel design. In comparison to a standard HD panel, the image density of the new quad full HD display (type EYE-LCD-3150-QHD-LD) is twice as high at approximately 140 ppi. It also offers 10-bit color, a direct full-array LED back-lit system and a viewing angle of 176 degrees. This sort of display can be used in digital signage applications, but can also be used for telemedicine as well.

You can see the entire 4K LCD monitor product line here: http://www.eyevis.de/index.php?article_id=12&clang=1

Share Article

Back to Top

Dukane Intros New Mic System Aimed at Schools

Dukane's new WM1C1 is an RF-based wireless microphone system aimed at the K-12 school market that includes a receiver, transmitter, two microphones, lavalier and charger. The WM1C1 has 80 separate RF channels so school buildings will be able to install the wireless mic without fear of cross talk — every classroom can have a separate channel. The WM1C1 can be installed with an existing projector with a mic input and larger speakers or it can also be incorporated with an amplifier and speaker system in an existing room.

The list price for the WM1C1 is $249 and full details are here: http://www.dukane.com/av/products/documents/specs/WM1C1.pdf

Share Article

Back to Top

Click here for more information

Meyer Sound Ships Steerable CAL Column Array Loudspeaker

Meyer Sound has begun delivery of its CAL column array loudspeaker, which is available in three models. The CAL speaker's vertical beam can be angled up or down in one-degree increments up to 30 degrees to aim only at target coverage areas without exciting an entire architectural space. Two of the CAL versions, CAL 64 and CAL 96, also include beam-splitting capabilities for applications where a balcony wall may cause undesired reflections. All three are weather proof and have a rain hood included for outdoor installations.

Share Article

Back to Top

Community's Ceiling Speakers Now Available in Black

Community's Distributed Design Series of in-ceiling loudspeakers now comes in black (and white). Designed for nightclubs, bars, restaurants, houses of worship or any other application requiring a black ceiling loudspeaker, the face-only assembly and optional accessories, including Face Adapter Ring and Can Adapter/Trim Ring, are also available in matching black finishes.   
 
The D6-B is a coaxial loudspeaker, with a compression driver concentrically located so that high frequencies emerge through the center of the low-frequency driver via a precisely contoured Tru-Phase HF waveguide. Community says this provides consistent, wide dispersion up to 16kHz. The D6-B can also be tapped at 8-ohm or 70V/100V configurations.

Here are all the detailed specs: http://www.community.chester.pa.us/products/product-list

Share Article

Back to Top

Chief Adds Power-Protected Outlet to Product Line

Chief announced today the addition of the PX2W, which provides surge protection and power conditioning hidden in an easy-to-integrate power outlet.

Chief has added this industry-first power outlet conditioner to several wall mounting products, which will add power protection to every installation. New mount bundles are available that include the power accessory with the WM2 Series of short-throw projector wall mounts, the Large THINSTALL Dual Swing Arm Wall Mount and the Large FUSION Micro-Adjustable Tilt Wall Mount.

When ordering, look for the "P" at the end of the model number. Learn more at http://www.chiefmfg.com/Series/Powered

Share Article

Back to Top

Peerless Ships Portable Large LCD Stand

At InfoComm, Peerless debuted its SC590, a floor-stand on which a giant LCD TV to (up to 90") can be mounted and made portable — basically, portable digital signage. With an incremental tilt of -2°, 0° and +5°, internal cable management, 4" casters, the black powder coated SC590 is capable of holding any monitor up to 220 pounds (from 32" – 90"), includes security hardware and uses a VESA standard 600×400 mounting pattern.

All the details are here: http://www.peerless-av.com/en-us/professional/products/SC590

Share Article

Back to Top

Furman Ships MiniPort

Furman is already shipping its Contractor Series CN-15MP (15A capacity) MiniPort that's designed for components outside the equipment rack. The CN-15MP includes one pair of AC outlets with configurable delay on/off options, while so-called Extreme Voltage Shutdown circuitry protects connected equipment against under/overvoltage conditions. When connected to a Furman SmartSequencer (CN-1800S or CN-2400S), the CN-15MP's SmartSequencing technology allows bidirectional, safe sequenced power on/off of remotely located equipment with the simple press of a button or turn of a key. Remote control/monitoring is available via Panamax/Furman's BlueBOLT cloud-based platform. The CN-15MP can also be integrated with legacy (non-Contractor Series) and non-Furman power conditioners/sequencers via remote terminal blocks.

See all the specs here: http://www.furmancontractor.com/

Share Article

Back to Top

Click here for more information

Vaddio Upgrades IP Camera Control

Vaddio just released a software update to its USB Camera line. The free Version 1.0.1 software update allows ClearVIEW HD-USB PTZ camera users the ability to control the camera from any computer or mobile device that supports a web browser.

Download the updates at http://www.vaddio.com/tech-center.php

Share Article

Back to Top

Extron Debuts Three-Input VGA and HDMI Switcher That Outputs Fiber

Extron's new FOX T USW 103 is a three-input switcher with an integrated fiber optic transmitter for long haul transmission of HDCP-compliant HDMI, RGBHV or HD component video, plus stereo audio and RS-232 control signals over fiber optic cabling. Extron says this three-input switcher uses all-digital technology to provide pixel-for-pixel performance with signals up to 1920×1200, including HDTV 1080p/60. Analog AV input signals are digitized to ensure that a high quality signal is transmitted to the final destination. To streamline installation and system operation, the FOX T USW 103 includes integration-friendly features such as EDID Minder, Key Minder, audio embedding, auto-input switching, RS-232 control and real-time system monitoring. The compact, low profile FOX T USW 103 allows for discreet installation such as beneath a table or in a lectern.

As part of the line of FOX Series fiber optic products from Extron, the FOX T USW 103 is compatible with FOX Series HDMI, DVI Plus, DVI and VGA receivers. This transmitter can also be used in combination with FOX Series matrix switchers for HDCP-compliant signal distribution systems up to 1000×1000 and larger. To ensure system operability, EDID Minder manages EDID communication between sources and destinations, and Key Minder continuously authenticates HDCP encryption.

Here are all the specs: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=foxtusw103&s=0

Share Article

Back to Top

ESP Unveils New Plug-Level Energy Management Platform Technology

Electronic Systems Protection, Inc. (ESP) announced the launch of its new energy management and power protection platform, the eCommandCenter. ESP claims its technology is the first all-in-one solution of its kind that empowers businesses to monitor and manage actual energy consumption, protect equipment and implement sustainability programs, down to the plug level.

Using wireless energy monitoring technology, the eCommandCenter features a package of hardware and software that enables businesses to manage energy costs proactively. ESP says this new plug-level platform independently tracks the energy consumption of every connected device within a business and gives companies a comprehensive report of specific real-time usage patterns across multiple facilities. ESP's system utilizes a wireless mesh network that can sit on either side of the user's firewall and does not require an IP address or additional network bandwidth. The platform also has the capability to integrate energy consumption data into existing databases to enable business managers to monitor energy consumption data within their own system.

Simply put, this is a system that allows you to track energy usage of anything that's connected to an ESP-branded power conditioner or one of their small power monitors (that goes between your device that plugs in the wall and the outlet itself). So, the usage of power is aggregated and that information is provided to you via a web-based or SaaS-based GUI on your computer. And, statistically, knowledge works in power consumption. Typically, someone armed with the knowledge of how much energy they are using will reduce energy consumption 15 to 20 percent.

Check it all out here: http://espei.com/products/esp-ecommand-center/

Share Article

Back to Top

Click here for more information

Peerless-AV Ships Ultra-Thin Video Wall Mount

Peerless-AV offers a mount solution that gets large screens (40”-50”) tight to the wall, while making it simple to create ultra-sleek video walls in any configuration because the ultra-thin, 17.5-millimeter (0.69") design provides a streamlined video wall profile. This Peerless-AV DS-VW650 modular system provides many possibilities for video wall arrangement by providing simple horizontal adjustment and custom pre-sized spacers.

This mount includes a wall plate and easy attachment rails that simplify getting the screen on the wall, while a sturdy locking rail affixes to the top to maximize safety and security. It's capable of handling up to 75-pound monitors.

Go here for more details: http://www.peerless-av.com/en-uk/professional/products/DS-VW650

Share Article

Back to Top

Wohler's New Mixer is AWESOME

Wohler Technologies today announced the release of the AMP1-MADIe, a new in-rack portable MADI mixer with Ethernet control. The AMP1-MADIe can be connected in series with a 56- or 64-channel MADI stream for individual volume adjustment, mixing and audible monitoring of any eight selected MADI channels at once. Providing unique functionality equivalent to a MADI audio "hot mic" mixer, Wohler's new AMP1-MADIe simplifies rapid selection and monitoring of MADI signals in fast-paced live-to-air production environments.

To support fast configuration and use of multiple distributed units within a MADI network, Wohler has outfitted AMP1-MADIe with an Ethernet connection and offers a free, downloadable software GUI so multiple units can be controlled and configured from a single PC workstation. Operators can also store and retrieve their own system configurations via a front-panel USB connector.

The AMP1-MADIe includes an LED-backlit LCD display that shows simultaneous metering and monitoring of any eight user-selected channels, with instant access to eight stored configurations of any eight channels for easy navigation among all 64 channels in a MADI stream. The mixer is packaged in a compact 4-inch deep, 1-RU chassis with level meters, master volume, and channel volume, offering quick muting of selected channels as well as menu access, which can be enabled or disabled via external software control.

Also included on the front panel are balance control, monitor channel select, channel assignment and preset select buttons, built-in speakers, USB port and headphone jack. Rear panel connectors include both optical and BNC inputs reclocked to optical and BNC outputs, Ethernet connection, stereo L/R analog outputs a mono mix on XLR and built-in universal power supply.

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

Share Article

Back to Top

Vaddio Debuts Under $1000 Camera Controller

Vaddio's new Hot-Shot is aimed at camera control in the classroom and allows any of the Vaddio ClearVIEW HD-Series of PTZ Cameras to have up to 16 presets. It’s used in conjunction with Vaddio’s preset trigger devices, including the MicVIEW Mic Mixer/Switcher, StepVIEW Mats, AutoVIEW IR sensors, PresenterPOD or TouchVIEW. Triggering one of these devices will automatically send commands through the Hot-Shot to move the camera to a specified preset (wide-shot, lectern, whiteboard, etc.) When used with Vaddio ClearVIEW HD-Series cameras, setting a trigger also stores a preset inside the camera, creating a sub-$1000 single-camera lecture capture solution.

Here are all the details specs: http://www.vaddio.com/product/hot-shot-preset-camera-controller

Share Article

Back to Top

Extron Adds Length to Retractor Series

Extron's new Retractor XL (Extended Length Cable Retraction System for Cable Cubby Enclosures) provides for cable extension up to five feet (1.5 meters) and is available in versions to support most AV and data signal types including VGA, Network, PC Audio, USB, DisplayPort or HDMI. The Extron Retractor Series, introduced in 2009, is also available for applications where cable extension of 3 feet (90 cm) is appropriate.

The Retractor XL is engineered with a dual-pulley mechanism controlled by a constant-tension spring that can withstand frequent use in schools, libraries, conference rooms and other high-utilization environments. Each Retractor XL module includes a pre-loaded, continuous 12-foot (3.6 m) cable for a single type. A four-foot (1.2 m) pigtail is provided on the input side of the Retractor module for ease of installation and connection to under-table electronics, floor boxes or an Extron AVTrac floor mounted raceway system.

Extron offers two special-purpose Retractor XL versions. The Retractor XL DC is a way of extending DC power to laptops from the power supply located beneath the table (laptop power supply not included). It is compatible with many Dell, HP, and Compaq PCs. The Retractor XL VGA SM provides remote input connection and selection for Extron VSW 2VGA A and SW VGA Ars switchers.

All the specs are here: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=retractorxl&search=retractor%20xl

Share Article

Back to Top

National eHealth Collaborative and InfoComm Announce Technology Conference

National eHealth Collaborative (NeHC), a public-private partnership that accelerates secure and meaningful use of health IT, and InfoComm International today announced their partnership as co-hosts of the inaugural Technology Crossroads Conference in Washington, DC on November 27-28. The first of its kind, this conferencewill explore the intersection between audiovisual (AV) and health information technologies (IT) to spotlight the many ways in which cutting-edge AV technologies and health IT breakthroughs are working together to accelerate healthcare transformation.

"There are many forms of health IT," said Kate Berry, CEO of NeHC. "State-of-the art audiovisual technologies are integrally related tohealth IT and bring important value to improving healthcare quality and efficiency. We are excited to work with InfoComm to bring visibility to these connections and identify new synergies."

During the conference, keynote speakers, panel discussions, case studies and technology demonstrations will examine the many uses of AV products and services in various healthcare settings, including telemedicine and telehealth, surgical video, mobile and personal connected health tools, remote patient monitoring, medical instruction and network security.

Forward-looking education sessions will examine the impact of dataliberation on a community's ability to support and encourage healthy behavior, the role of technology in improving patient-provider communication and patient education, and how healthcare providers can utilize AV and health IT tools to enable a "smart medical practice." In one especially exciting session, distinguished health IT leaders will team up with AV experts for an interactive program that matches up innovative technology solutions with "What I Wish I Had in My Hospital…"

"Healthcare is the fastest growing customer segment for the AV industry. With projected growth of $2.6 billion by 2015, NeHC's expertise in health IT and their network of industry leaders can help us advance the benefits that AV can offer to healthcare providers and patients through the discovery of new businessrelationships," said InfoComm Executive Director and CEO Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D. "Our exciting new partnership will help stakeholders from both industries capitalize on the opportunity presented through the Technology Crossroads Conference."

The Technology Crossroads Conference will take place November 27-28 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. Additional information, including a full agenda and how to register is available on the NeHC website at http://www.nationalehealth.org/technology-crossroads-conference

Share Article

Back to Top

ADI Adds Branch Locations in Texas and Michigan

ADI announced today it will open two new branch locations that will further expand its North American footprint. The new branches will be located in North Houston, TX and Grand Rapids, MI.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

Back to Top

Crestron Promotes Michelle Baker to Showroom Manager

Crestron today announced the appointment of Michelle Baker as showroom manager of the newly opened Crestron Los Angeles Design Showroom in the Pacific Design Center. Baker joined Crestron in 2007 as office manager and training coordinator, assisting in the opening of the first Crestron west coast satellite office in Phoenix, Ariz.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

Back to Top

Media Vision Hires Kevin Stoner as Director of Operations

Kevin Stoner, following 17 years of experience in communications technology, has joined Media Vision USA as director of operations with responsibilities encompassing the oversight, management and guidance of large projects, customer service and expansion activities.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

Back to Top

Delta Moves Portland Office to New Location

Delta Products Corp. announced this month that the Delta Portland Office has moved into a new facility in Hillsboro, Ore.

To read the complete press release online, click here.

Back to Top

For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe ProAV Edition 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 industry, 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 anything good (or bad).

Don't like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.

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.

Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication 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 GreenAV in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com

To read more about my background, our team and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com

Back to Top

Copyright 2012 – 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.