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Volume 10, Issue 5 — March 13, 2013
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Home Health Care — Who Cares?
By Lee Distad
rAVe Columnist There are some categories in AV that become ubiquitous and define the entire channel. DVD and flat panel displays come to mind as easy examples.
Then there are products that transform the landscape almost as soon as they arrive, creating an entire new device ecosystem and clobbering its predecessors. The best example of that would the iPad and its impact on non-tablet touchpanel automation interfaces and, well, pretty much everything else.
Then there are products are categories that are widely recognized as being “a good idea” but never really seeing the traction in the marketplace that their supporters might have hoped for. While this will probably garner me some hate mail from certain PR flacks, energy management for automation systems seems to fit into this bracket.
Lastly, you have emergent categories where it remains to be seen whether they’ll see something resembling success or turn out to be all Sturm und Drang, with little real adoption.
I’m sorry to say, it’s starting to look like Home Health Care is the latter.
Let’s back up for a minute, and start with some definitions. For those of you who’ve been solely focused on AV and more standard control system fodder like shades and lighting, the pitch for Home Health Care is that there are 100 million people is the U.S. who are reaching retirement age. At the same time, there’s reported to be a shortage of health care professionals. Enter the prospect of remote monitoring of health care.
It’s important to further clarify what that means. As far as most people are concerned, Home Health Care is synonymous with PERS, the Personal Injury Service. Most people of a certain age recall the tagline “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!” That’s reactive technology: You push a button and something happens. The solutions that are encompassed by HHC are proactive, preventative solutions.
HHC’s boosters put it in the context of ongoing wellness: using the feedback and data from the system for preventative care.
That includes medication management, and GPS-enabled reporting as well as solutions that monitor blood pressure, bodyweight, movement around the house, including frequency of bathroom breaks and sleep patterns, which provide care givers with a more complete picture of a subject’s well-being.
The selling points that have been used to build interest in the category is that there is a large potential client base, which points to the potential for recurring revenue, as well the nature of the category’s technology. With the variables involved in personalizing HHC to end users, it’s challenging to be a turnkey technology, which would apparently make it ideal for integrators: It’s just more black boxes to program and monitory.
The biggest problem I foresee as it relates to HHC gaining traction amongst AV integrators is that the integration channel is not HHC’s first kick at the cat at finding a channel, and not its last either.
If you ask them, HHC’s promoters will tell you that early on in the category’s development, circa 2005 or so, the first attempts of the main HHC startups was through the healthcare industry. A lot of work went into educating that market, but the hurdle they have yet to get over, especially with long term health care facilities like senior’s residences is the perception that HHC is a replacement for trained and qualified personnel, rather than a new set of tools to improve standards of care.
While HHC vendors are still working on that channel, in the meantime they’ve spent the last couple of years promoting the category to the AV integrator channel, most notably in their partnership with CEDIA, and CEDIA’s formation of a committee to promote the benefits of HHC to its members.
That’s where I came in, having spent a few years in the trade media for AV, and having interviewed HHC executives and PR people, and written a few articles here and there along lines of “Home Health Care Is Coming, Hurray!”
The net result so far in AV integration seems to mirror HHC’s inroads in the healthcare industry: not much.
Which is why I find myself unsurprised to see Home Health Care companies working hard to promote their category to an entirely different channel: the Mobile industry (where I work now, having moved over from AV almost two years ago).
The Mobile/Wireless sector of CES, as well as dedicated Mobile shows in the past year have seen delegations of HHC vendors marketing their technology’s “potential” to suppliers and resellers of smartphones and related products. Interestingly, and perhaps again unsurprisingly, the sales pitch their using on Mobile companies is almost exactly what they were pitching to AV integrators: gadgets and recurring revenue.
As Yogi Berra said, “it’s like déjà vu all over again.”
So far, talking with my peers in Mobile, the reception that HHC is receiving is lukewarm, at best.
Is Home Health Care ever going to gain traction any channel? I’m averse to being the guy who says “Never!” about anything, but so far at least HHC hasn’t caught fire in two channels and it’s starting to look like the third time won’t be the charm either.
What will it take? I’d be keen to hear from someone who thinks they know.
Lee Distad is a rAVe columnist and freelance writer covering topics from CE to global business and finance in both print and online. Reach him at lee@ravepubs.com
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Fed Calls For Consideration of Improved TV Receivers
By Aldo Cugnini
DisplayDaily Improved TV receivers with higher-performance tuners may be on the way, if receiver manufacturers agree with the FCC. The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (often called “the Spectrum Act”) was signed into law a year ago, and authorized the use of “incentive auctions” of broadcast spectrum. Included in the Act was a requirement that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a study on the effect of spectrum reassignment on wireless transmission systems, including all telecommunications, broadcast, satellite, mobile or other communications systems that employ radio spectrum. Part of that requirement included a requirement to consider the value of improving receiver performance as it relates to increasing spectral efficiency.
That study has now been released, including a report to Congress entitled “Further Consideration of Options to Improve Receiver Performance Needed.” The report identifies three challenges to improving receiver performance: lack of coordination across industries when developing voluntary standards, lack of incentives for manufacturers or spectrum users to incur costs associated with using more robust receivers, and the difficulty of accommodating a changing spectrum environment.
The broadcast and consumer electronics industries are generally on opposite sides of the fence concerning mandated receiver performance, and several examples illustrate the scenario. When color TV was first introduced in the 1950s, there was one company that stood to benefit from development of both ends of the content food chain: RCA. Controlling a growing broadcast network (NBC) as well as commercial broadcast equipment and television receivers meant that the umbrella corporation had a good chance to profit – which it did, subsidizing new product development and then reaping the rewards all around. But it wasn’t until the mid '60s that a concerted effort to promote color programming really made the difference, by which time substantial investments had been made in the consumer electronics industry.
Along the way, with broadcasters now crowding the VHF channels 2 through 13, the FCC opened up the UHF spectrum for television use, hoping to bring on more stations and competition. But receiver manufacturers saw no need to support spectrum that would require new product development and specifications. So, Congress passed the All-Channel Receiver Act of 1962, allowing the FCC to require that all television set manufacturers must include UHF tuners, so that new UHF TV stations on channels 14 to 83 could be received by the public.
An unintended consequence of this Act was that new receivers would be susceptible to interference from combinations of channels known as “taboos,” ultimately decreasing the actual number of available channels in any particular broadcast market. These problems have been corrected in modern digital television receivers, due to advances in receiver technology as well as the different interfering qualities of digital modulation.
When DTV receivers emerged, there were complaints that reception was marginal, at best, raising the specter of a legal mandate. But CE manufacturers – including those with patent income – had much to lose from poor receiver performance, and new DTV chips from various manufacturers quickly emerged as market forces drove a competitive environment where better receivers would incur fewer product returns.
But with the growing stature of the Consumer Electronics Association, the CE industry’s primary mechanism for capital beltway lobbying, new initiatives aimed at requiring receiver standards now face powerful – and political – opposition. And razor-thin profit margins make any added costs extremely hard to justify, especially if the improvements would yield a benefit that is lost on the customer when they power up their TV. Further clouding the issue is the fact that tighter receiver standards are blindly aimed at more dense use of the spectrum, which would in some cases benefit non-incumbent spectrum entrants, whose presence does not directly benefit the purchaser of the improved receiver.
The FCC has issued a Notice of Proposed Rule Making on various aspects of conducting incentive auctions of broadcast spectrum; comments were due in January, and reply comments are due on March 12.
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Share Article Back to Top Sharp Samsung Alliance – An Alliance of Mutual Benefits
By David Hsieh
DisplaySearch According to news reports, Sharp is in talks with Samsung on concluding a capital and business alliance. The two sides are believed to be in final negotiations, with Sharp likely to receive around 10 billion yen ($107M) in investment from Samsung, in exchange for a 3 percent stake of Sharp. We believe Samsung’s main purpose is to secure panel supply from Sharp, especially 32” produced on the Gen 8 line (Kaymeyama-II fab) and 40” and 60” from Gen 10 (Sakai fab). Sharp also produces mobile device panels with high resolution using CGS (a form of LTPS) and oxide TFT technology, so it is also likely that Samsung, with huge demand for mobile panels, will also purchase the high resolution mobile panels from Sharp. We believe this decision can be attributed to several causes:
- Samsung and Sharp have long been rivals, but Sharp has apparently determined that forming an alliance with its rival in flat-screen TVs and mobile phone handsets is required to improve its performance and financial standing. Sharp has been struggling with its financial position and has been seeking investment, including Foxconn (which invested in 50 percent of its Sakai Gen 10 fab) and Qualcomm (which invested in $120M and has more than a 5 percent stake). Sharp is also in talks with Intel and Dell. The near-term financial need for Sharp is a loan payment of 200 billion yen in Q3’13.
- Samsung’s purpose is mainly to secure TV panels, especially 32”, 40” and 60”. According to the Quarterly LCD TV Value Chain Report, Sharp has been a key supplier of 40” to Samsung, with more than 400K per quarter, and 60” with more than 200K per quarter in Q3’12. Due to the reduced orders for displays for Apple’s iPad, Sharp has been shifting Gen 8 capacity, which was originally making 9.7” tablet PC panels, to produce 32” LCD TV panels for Samsung. With the Taiwanese retreating from supplying 32” panels, Samsung is eager to secure a new source. Sharp started to ship 32” to Samsung at the beginning of 2013. In total, Samsung will be buying more than one million panels from Sharp, so it may make sense for Samsung to invest to secure the source.
- Given that Sharp is a leader in oxide TFT technology, especially at Gen 8, it’s possible that Samsung can utilize the oxide TFT backplanes from Sharp for its AMOLED TV.
- This may indicate that Samsung wants to continue to source a certain percentage of panels externally. There are indications that Samsung Display is reducing the scale of its own TFT LCD fab investment in China. It’s possible that the Samsung group intends to curb new TFT LCD capacity expansion and focus more on AMOLED TV.
- Foxconn has been intending to make additional investments in Sharp to access more high resolution displays for mobile devices. But Sharp has been reluctant to give Foxconn additional control. The investments from Qualcomm, possibly Intel, and now Samsung indicate that Sharp’s strategy is to balance multiple investors rather than rely on one. Foxconn might not be happy with this because of its poor business relationship with Samsung. However, as Foxconn is seeking to grow its OEM/ODM business and Apple’s growth is limited, it’s also possible that Foxconn will start to talk with Samsung about an OEM/ODM relationship on LCD TV and other mobile devices.
In the business world, there are no permanent enemies or friends. Sharp and Samsung disliked each other in the past, but the present realities may lead them to work together. Sharp is becoming a big ship, with investments from many companies. All of these investors will see different benefits and conflicts in this big Sharp ship.
This column was reprinted with permission from DisplaySearch and originally appeared here.
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Recently from rAVe's BlogSquad Back to Top Geostellar Launches Sustainable Energy Network Geostellar today announced the launch at SXSW of a first-of-its-kind online Sustainable Energy Network that the company claims helps homeowners slash costs, save money and fight climate change by reducing carbon pollution. This is all through the use of advanced home energy simulations, expert guidance and a broad array of solar installation, equipment and financing options. The social platform connects homeowners together to share expertise and encouragement and to promote the successful deployment of solar energy and energy efficient technologies.
Geostellar is a sustainable energy network that uses a social platform you can see here: http://geostellar.com/
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Share Article Back to Top NSCA Executive Director Chuck Wilson Publishes New Book NSCA Executive Director Chuck Wilson has authored a book titled “Under the Social Influence,” which focuses on specific influences that can impact a successful life and career. All book proceeds will benefit the NSCA Education Foundation, which helps further the education of systems integration professionals.
Wilson reflects on the past 30 years of owning and managing both corporate and non-profit companies, and discusses through humor and real-life stories the impact of cross-generational employees in the workplace. This no-nonsense, tough-love playbook for those struggling to get ahead and those under the influence of negative social situations is written primarily for younger generations entering the workforce.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited into our members companies to evaluate organizational issues where I witnessed so many of their younger employees struggling with work and life balance issues, situational awareness, financial woes, reputation management, workplace drama and of course the addiction to social media,” said Wilson. “After hearing similar stories across different companies, I decided to put my thoughts in writing to share with all generations. Likewise, I’ve seen some very impressive examples of doing it right… we can learn a great deal from those stories as well.”
Wilson's new book is available for purchase at a variety of online retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Those interested in purchasing bulk orders should visit http://www.800CEOread.com to receive additional discounts.
Wilson will also provide opportunities for presentations or workshops based on the book. For more information on “Under the Social Influence” or to purchase the book, visit http://www.underthesocialinfluence.com. ;
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Extron Now Shipping Three-Input, Compact, HDCP-Compliant Scaler Extron is now shipping its new DSC 301 HD, a compact HDCP-compliant video scaler. This scaler has an HDMI input, a configurable high resolution analog input, a composite video input and an HDMI output. Featuring an advanced scaling engine with 30-bit processing and 1080i deinterlacing, the DSC 301 HD delivers uncompromised picture quality for output resolutions up to 1920×1200, including 1080p and 2K. It includes EDID Minder, automatic input switching and simplifies system connections by embedding audio from one of the three stereo inputs onto the HDMI output.
The DSC 301 HD offers several features that enhance and simplify AV system setup and operation. For HDMI signals with protected content, Key Minder authenticates and maintains continuous HDCP encryption between input sources and displays to ensure quick and reliable switching. EDID Minder ensures that the display's capabilities are communicated to connected video sources to obtain an optimal image. Front panel controls, intuitive on-screen menus, plus USB and RS-232 connections provide flexible control and monitoring capability.
To view a product video and for more information, please visit http://www.extron.com/dsc301hdpr
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Share Article Back to Top Atlona Ships HDBaseT Extenders for HDMI Transmission Up to 100 Meters Atlona is now shipping its HDMI extenders featuring HDBaseT with signal transmission to a distance of up to 328 feet (100 meters). Atlona says both the AT-HDTX-RSNET transmitter and AT-HDRX-RSNET receiver offer provide bidirectional control with Ethernet, RS-232 and IR remote control for compatibility with third-party control systems. By using Power over Category cable (PoCc), AV, IR RS-232 and power can be sent over a single category cable without the need for a receiver power supply.
The new RSNET family of HDMI extenders feature locking HDMI ports, USB ports for in-field firmware updates and captive screw connectors for IR, RS-232 and RJ45 Ethernet connectors. Resolutions up to UltraHD (4Kx2K) and CEC pass-through are also supported by the devices. Along with 3D, the RSNET family transmits all embedded audio signals including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Convenient captive-screw terminations for control and power (24 vdc on HDTX and PoCc on HDRX).
Here are the specs: http://www.atlona.com
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Pakedge Intros Eight-Port Switch Pakedge Device & Software today announced the introduction of its S8Pe — an Eight Port Gigabit Unmanaged PoE and PoE+ Switch, which supports up to four ports with PoE+ power or up to eight ports with full gigabit PoE (Power over Ethernet).
The S8Pe can deliver up to 31.5 watts per port to four ports, making it ideal for use with high-power wireless access points and touch panels, high-definition IP cameras, HDMI-over-IP transmitters, home automation PoE+ controllers and other devices that require PoE+ operation and gigabit Ethernet connectivity.
The Pakedge S8Pe is equipped with eight auto-speed-sensing 10/100/1000 Mbps ports. It offers plug-and-play operation without any software to configure. The S8Pe meets 802.3at and 802.3af standards and features Intelligent Endspan PoE Detection – it will not turn on until it detects a valid PoE signature from the devices connected downstream. This useful feature protects against damage to non-compliant equipment.
Housed in a 1U metal enclosure with supplied rack-mount brackets and front-panel indicator lights, the S8Pe's connections are all from the back panel for easy cable access in a structured wiring panel, equipment rack or A/V cabinets. The S8Pe is also equipped with a power switch for easy on-off access.
Here are the specs: http://www.pakedge.com/docs/S8PeBrochure.pdf
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Share Article Back to Top SANUS Ships New Pieces from Basic Series Furniture Line SANUS is now shipping two new pieces within the Basic Series furniture line — the new BFV357 and BFV353 audio video stands.
The BFV357 stand offers:
- Thick tempered glass on a powder-coated steel frame
- Cable management system organizes and keeps cables hidden
- Open design maximizes airflow to equipment and provides easy access to back of components
- Adjustable feet ensure furniture is level on any surface
The BFV353 stand includes:
- Cable management system organizes and keeps cables hidden
- Media storage basket helps keep remotes and other accessories organized
- Adjustable feet ensure furniture is level on any surface
Both furniture stands are quick and easy to assemble, and they are compatible with the SANUS FMS Furniture Mount System and the SANUS ELM701 Anti-Tip Strap.
For more information on the BFV357, click here: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/av-foundations/av-basic/BFV357
For more information on the BFV353, click here: http://www.sanus.com/us/en/products/av-foundations/av-basic/BFV353 |
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Share Article Back to Top BenQ Debuts New 4K Lumen HD Projector BenQ's new SH940 is a native 1920x1080p resolution DLP projector that's specified at 4,000 lumens and a contrast ratio of 50,000:1. Included with horizontal and vertical lens shift, 2D keystone correction and throw ratios of up to 2.43, the SH940 is aimed at both home theater applications since it includes an HDMI ports and a VGA port in addition to a set of five BNC (RGBHV) for connecting systems the old-fashioned way.
For IT managers maintaining facility-wide installations, features such as scheduling, monitoring, email alerts and control of multiple A/V gear are all provided through an intuitive user interface to make maintenance easier. With a LAN control feature, the SH940 also provides support for Crestron, SNMP, PJLink, and AMX systems, enabling remote management and control in addition to projector maintenance from workstations.
To reduce energy costs, power-saving features such as an "Eco Blank Mode" allow presenters to blank out the projection screen whenever the projector is not in use, while a standby mode will lower power consumption to less than 0.5W while the SH940 is inactive. Lamp replacement has also been made extra easy with access from the side or top of the projector while a filter-free optical system and BenQ's no color decay further reduces the TCO of the device.
The SH940 is shipping now and lists for $3,999. You can see all the specs at: http://www.BenQ.us
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Share Article Back to Top Crestron TSW-550 is Tiny Touch Screen Crestron today announced a 5" TSW-550 — part of its Core 3 UI family of smart phone and tablet styled touch screens that also includes the 7" TSW-750 and 10" TSW-1050. Crestron says it uses capacitive touch (like the iPhone) and has GUI effects and gestures navigation to swipe, scroll, drag and drop. TSW-550 installs easily with the included post-construction bracket and can be neatly and quickly attached directly to drywall and other surfaces. TSW magnetically adheres to its mounting bracket, eliminating any visible screws to provide a clean, hi-tech appearance.
Here are the details: http://www.crestron.com/resources/product_and_programming_resources/catalogs_and_brochures/online_catalog/default.asp?jump=1&model=TSW-550
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Share Article Back to Top Parasound Hires Tom Gandulla as Director of Sales Parasound Products, Inc. has hired Tom Gandulla as its director of sales. Tom comes with more than 25 years of experience in consumer electronics, most recently as director of sales, key accounts for Xantech and Aton. Tom's previous experience was in sales and training at A.P.I., Monster Cable, Polk and Infinity.
To read the complete press release online, click here. | Back to Top Screen Innovations Offers Employee Pricing to All Industry Affiliates Screen Innovations (SI), a U.S.-based manufacturer of projection screen technology, announced this month that the company has launched a new Employee Pricing for Everyone program, designed to enable industry affiliates to own a Screen Innovations projection screen at 50 percent off current retail prices.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Creative Marketing and Elrep Sales Partner Two independent manufacturer’s sales representative firms based in the southeast announced this month that they have joined forces. Elrep Sales and Creative Marketing Associates, Inc. are creating a joint venture, binding their respective brands and personnel together to better serve consumer, custom install and pro-AV customers across the southeast.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top DPI Partners With Rep Firm Anew Communications Technology in Western U.S. Digital Projection International (DPI) has announced another major expansion of its customer sales and support network. Effective immediately, Anew Communications Technology, Inc. (Anew C.T.) will work on behalf of DPI’s headquarters, clients, end-users and industry partners across the western U.S. This news follows DPI’s January 2013 announcement of its recent manufacturer’s rep expansion across the central and eastern regions of the country.
To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top B-Tech Hires Andy Lee as Export Area Sales Manager B-Tech AV Mounts has recruited a new face to add it its growing sales team. Andy Lee has joined as an export area sales manager and will be covering Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
To read the complete press release online, click here. | Back to Top For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe HomeAV 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% opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the high-end HomeAV 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.
rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA, launched in February, 2004.
To read more about my background, our team, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top Copyright 2013 – rAVe [Publications] – 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 HomeAV Edition 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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