Volume 10, Issue 5 — May 25, 2018

One of the most shared business leadership talks is Start With Why by Simon Sinek. It emphasizes the importance of purpose in a business and leadership’s ability to communicate that purpose to their employees to accomplish amazing things together. I believe it has been so popular because most business books emphasize what to do and/or how to do it. They are manuals on execution and strategy. In stark contrast, Sinek struck a chord by focusing on purpose and inspiration instead, changing the paradigm on the modern business model.

I believe that in technology we are also steeped in the culture of execution. Of course, this isn’t a bad thing. A brilliant plan, executed poorly, will never reach it’s potential. Also, given the binary nature of inputs and outputs and the technicalities of signal distribution, etc., we need to be concerned with the “what” and “how” in order to deliver working systems. However, even technology has a human aspect to it. There are desired outcomes to achieve and behavioral barriers to overcome, and the motivations of the people using our systems matter. Given that we also need to start with “why.”

Of course, every vertical, space and even customer may have completely different goals, so the “whys” may vary significantly, but could there be some trends that may be helpful to the way we approach our projects?

The integrated architecture firm Gensler recently did a study on public spaces asking just that question.

Why?

Why do people visit public spaces in the first place and given that, how can we use those motivations a to design better public spaces?

Interestingly enough, their study also includes data collected from visitors of these spaces, and much of that data includes impressions of how technology impacted their experiences in those spaces as well.

So what were some interesting trends in that study? Let’s dive into their “Experience Index” to find out.

The first take away is that visitors of public spaces rarely have a singular motivation. Gensler defines five main motivations for visiting public spaces. Those are Task, Social, Discovery, Entertainment and Aspiration.

Many times, as technology designers, we think of the functional motivation-performing a task. Any system design that accomplishes the task is seen as a viable solution, but if you look at the study, you’ll see that many other motivations may be at play as well, even for someone who is in fact, at least partially task driven. This means in order to create successful experiences, we need to also leverage technologies that aid in social connections, discovery, entertainment and the visitor’s aspirations. This means we have to know at least a little about the demographics of the potential visitors themselves.

Another interesting finding in Gensler’s Index is that technology definitely matters.

According to Gensler:

“It’s clear that technology makes a significant impression on users, no matter the space. But users may be less interested in technology that they interact with or use directly, and more interested in technology that is embedded in the space and contributes to the overall designed experience.”

The study also found that in each instance, spaces with the latest technology provided significantly better experiences to visitors than spaces that did not embrace technology or that had outdated technology installed.

As AV professionals, we should be acutely aware of how what we provide affects the people who utilize our spaces.  We should also be well versed in the language of “experience” especially given that companies like Gensler speak that vernacular every day. If we can design systems that address the multiple “whys” defined by Gensler above, then we can differentiate ourselves from the crowd designing systems solely with an objective, task-based mentality. A common mindset can assure a trusted seat at the design table and help ensure our preferred position in the project throughout the execution process as well.

Instead of summarizing the whole thing here, I would encourage everyone reading to go to Gensler’s Experience Index and read the report for yourself. Everyone’s business is slightly different, and there may be some hidden gems for you in there.

Concentrating on “why” opens the door to a real partnership. Delivering the “what” and “how” keeps the door open for the next project.

Graphics via Gensler’s Experience Index

At InfoComm this year, AVIXA is putting on what looks like an amazing course, “Design Thinking for AV.” The course is being instructed by three leaders in design thinking and appears to be very hands on, even including field trips to local museums. If there is still a chance, I would recommend you check out the course and think about how it may change what you do.

Before you sign up however, you may be wondering, what is design thinking? Different people define it in different ways, but in essence I believe it to be a philosophy of how you think, how you design and how you develop experiences for people. The principles are defined differently, but it seems an outstanding principle is to question. Ask why a lot. When you meet with your clients the first time, you may be tempted to tell them exactly what they should do. Rather, you should be asking them what they are trying to do, and then keep asking “Why?” The question is not intended to insult, but rather to challenge and develop your understanding. Librarians understand this concept very well. There is a well-known story of a little boy walking into a library and asking for a book about frogs. Many of us would go and retrieve the boy a reference book on frogs. (Just like if someone says I want a projector pointing to that wall, they get a projector pointing at that wall). However, the experienced librarian asks: “Why? What do you want to learn about frogs?” The boy responds that he does not want to learn anything. He just wanted to draw a picture of one and needs a model. That greatly influences the reference that the librarian is going to retrieve for the boy. In fact, it may not even be a book, it could be an image that is printed out. The boy did not get what he asked for, but he did get what he wanted.

Another principle is empathy and observation. Observe what is going on and what the problem that needs solved is. Based on that observation, make a recommendation. A client may say that they want a huddle room. You could provide them the cookie cutter huddle room. But with design thinking, you would suggest that they let you watch a meeting. You would observe the type of problems that people are having with communication or with technology. Is the problem that no one is listening because they have notebooks out and are trying to take notes? Is the problem that they have teleconferencing or videoconferencing that is not working well and distracting people in the meeting? After making these observations, you could make solid suggestions on a design.

The final generally agreed principle is prototype and test. I believe this to be a particularly weak area in AV. After all, this costs time and money. We tend to put some designs on paper (schematic designs that our customers don’t understand) and get approval. But design thinking asks you to move outside of this box. Draw a 3D rendering of the room. Print a 3D rendering of the room. Stick some temporary technology in a room and see how people react to it. Then, follow the other principles as you do this. If a client does not like a change, ask why? After looking at a 3D model, do they feel the space is too crowded? Watch the clients interact with the technology or the model. Ask them what they like about it and what they don’t. Don’t be afraid of throwing your previous design out and starting over. It is more effective to do it now, than after a space has been built.

I have described design thinking here from the point of view of a salesman or designer. But what about design thinking in strategy? Are you considering venturing into a new lateral market, such as security, or selling services? If so, employ design thinking in this. It is very easy to fall into the, we can not do that because we never have. Or, we can not do that because we looked into it ten years ago and it did not make sense. Ask: “Why?” Ask if something has changed since we last made this decision. Prototype a new business plan, and talk with people in the company about it. Take the pieces that fail, change them and try again.

If this philosophy of “design” interests you, there are dozens of articles to learn from. Harvard Business Review, for example, has had many pieces on this topic. Finally, as you rove the InfoComm floor, try and do it with a design thinking mindset. Rather than question, “Where can I use that?” or “What client can I sell that to?”, look at the application and remember what it does. Store that in your design thinking “mind bank” and use it next time you go through the design thinking process with your clients.

Unless you’ve been in a hole the last few years, you most likely have noticed the increasing conversation in AV about software, managed services, and IP based signal distribution. Given all of the buzz and apparent end-user demand for all of the above, surprisingly, only a select few AV companies have turned the corner on one or all of these categories.

Why is that?

The truth is that selling soft services is hard.

It’s even harder if your business model relies on a 50/50 split between hardware sales and labor. And exponentially harder if it relies on hardware margins to mitigate losses that occur due to labor inefficiencies or poor job costing.

My theory is that three main things are stalling the evolution of AV from hardware to software and services.

1. Business models — The reality is that businesses need to make money. The easiest way to do this is by collecting a high profit margin on a high priced item and then charging a premium price for installation of that gear. The software model flips that on its head. There is no high priced hardware and the software is typically sold on a subscription basis which still yields high margins but on a lower priced sale. The long term benefits are great, but the short term impact can be painful. Proliferation across a large number of clients is the only way to build the revenue stream back up to what it was in the hardware based business model, and that transition could be deadly if not managed well. No wonder some companies are gun shy.
2. Sales Plans — The second reality here is that sales people are revenue driven creatures. Commissions and bonuses are paid on sales, and selling hardware produces big amounts of income at a time. But how does a salesperson get paid on a yearly subscription service? Even if the integrator can plan the transition, how motivated is the sales team to promote solutions that directly affect their own personal paychecks? Salespeople have families and bills just like everyone else, and for the company to move int a softer ecosystem, they have to be willing to man the front lines of that battle.
3. Liability — Finally, many AV companies are not ready to assume liability for their customers computers and networks. I was at a trade show the other day where we loaded some software on a partner’s laptop to play content on one of the screens. He said, ” I’m glad you touched my computer because now everything that goes wrong with it for the next year will be your fault.”  The client’s attitude could be that “if you touched it, then you broke it.” That’s scary. And if you think its a scary thought to be responsible for their individual PCs, you can multiply that anxiety when you start thinking about touching the whole corporate network. I once heard an integrator tell his team that they were watching video over IP but they did not want to sell it yet because they didn’t provide the switch and they didn’t want to touch it.

In my humble opinion, these are the three major things that need to be overcome in AV in order to realize the promise of software, managed services and IP based distribution.

The good news is that other industries may hold some clues how to do it and I’ll share those in my next blog!

Do you have thoughts on why software, service and IP have been slow to take off in AV? I’d love to hear them in the comments below.

The LX-MU500Z runs at 35 dB and, because it’s laser-based, it can be mounted in any configuration; including in a 360-degree orientation. Because the LX-MU500Z has a lens shift of +/-50 percent, portrait projection and four-corner keystone correction, it can be installed off-axis and still be corrected. Inputs include VGA, HDMI, DVI and HDBaseT.

With five image storage modes and two user models, the LX-MU500Z leverages a blue laser diode and yellow phosphor wheel, which can last up to 20,000 hours, for projection and has no parts to replace.

Here are the detailed specs.

Quantum Ultra is a modular 4K videowall processor with high-performance scaling and windowing technology which accommodates a wide range of applications. It features the Extron Vector 4K scaling engine and HyperLane video bus capable of carrying a multitude of high-resolution sources for unmatched real-time performance. A single processor can support multiple videowalls with mixed resolutions and screen orientations, providing flexible system design with minimal complexity and cost. Portrait and landscape output support, output overlap, mullion compensation and custom output resolutions provide compatibility with nearly any display technology. RS232 and Ethernet interfaces provide direct connections for control systems. Quantum Ultra’s configurability, features and performance make it a future-ready solution for any videowall application.

Specs on the Quantum IN SMD 100 are here.

A heavy duty steel base eliminates the need to bolt to the floor and adjustable leveling feet are included to support the stand over uneven surfaces and integrated cable management allows you to hide all cabling.

Here are the details.

InfoComm 2018 will bring back Center Stage to the trade show floor, June 6-8 in Las Vegas. The Center Stage sessions will explore how to increase audience engagement through personalized and immersive experiences by way of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), wearable technology, human-centered user interfaces and more.

Leading thinkers and practitioners from the fields of entertainment, enterprise, education, and hospitality, such as Huge, Bravo Media, PixMob, FreemanXP, The Salk Institute, Local Projects, Patten Studio and Marriott International, will take the stage (booth N1646) to present free, 20-minute sessions throughout all three days of the InfoComm show.

“We’re excited to have Center Stage return after a successful debut at InfoComm 2017,” said Jason McGraw, CTS, CAE, senior vice president of expositions, AVIXA. “It’s a great opportunity to learn from these bright creatives who employ technology to push the human potential to learn, connect, and entertain.”

In the Center Stage session Personalization of Digital Signage Content, David Title, chief engagement officer of Bravo Media and Manolo Almagro, managing partner of Q Division, will bring their expertise of advertising media psychology to discuss the complicated art of translating analytics information into a genuinely fun experience. They’ll discuss what displays and sensors are needed to achieve that personal experience and how to show technology buyers they’re getting their ROI.

The session The Psychology of User Interface Design led by Sundar Raman, director of creative engineering, Local Projects, and James Patten, director of Patten Studio, will explore how technologies like voice, motion, heat and RFID sensors, can be used to analyze human actions and emotions and turn the human into a user interface.

The Center Stage session lineup also includes:

• AR for Immersive Live Experiences
  Cortney Harding, Founder of Friends with Holograms
• Why Our Voice Assistants Need Ethics
  Sophie Kleber, Executive Director of Product and Innovation, Huge
• Wearable Technology for Connecting Audiences
  Vincent Leclerc, Partner and Chief Technology Officer, PixMob
  Christopher Cowley, Senior Director of Technology, C2 International
• Experience Capture Technology for Improving Event Design
  Haluk Kulin, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Data, FreemanXP
  Sergei Gepshtein, Director of the Collaboratory for Adaptive Sensory Technologies at the Salk Institute
• Incorporating VR into the Online Classroom
  Julian McCrea, CEO of Portal Experiences
• Using Videoconferencing to Connect Learning Communities
  Amar Bakshi, Founder and Creative Director, Shared_Studios
  Lewis Lee, Curator, Shared_Studios
• How Buildings of the Future Will Change in Response to Human Occupants
  Neil Redding, Director of Emerging Technology, ThoughtWorks
  Güvenç Özel, Principal, Ozel Office
• Combining Live Music with Both Physical and Virtual New Media
  Yo-Yo Lin, Media Artist and Art Director, The Family
  Steve Dabal, Co-Founder and Creative Director, The Family
• Creating Empathy with Immersive Audio in VR and Video Games
  Joanna Fang, Foley Artist, Alchemy Post Sound
  David Grinbaum, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Chapter Four
• How Hospitality Brands Use VR and Interactive Video to Engage Guests
  David Kepron, Vice President of Global Design Strategies, Distinctive Premium Brands, Marriott International
  Bill Lally, President of Mode:Green
• Innovators in Online Video Content Creation Reveal the Secrets to Compulsively Watchable Content
  Alesia Hendley, Multimedia Journalist and AV Operator, Berry Center, Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District
  Will Curran, Founder and Owner of Endless Events

“By putting innovators in conversation, Center Stage shows how AV is leveraged across disciplines to create something really exciting,” said Rachel Bradshaw, director of exhibition content, AVIXA. “Center Stage is a beacon of inspiration in the middle of the show floor.”

For more information on Center Stage, go here.

InfoComm 2018 will be held June 2-8 (exhibits June 6-8) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. To register to attend, go here.

As part of its latest software release, Caveman 1.1, Tripleplay now supports the delivery of digital signage and IPTV to AVNU PF series with BrightSign Built-in and Samsung’s Smart Signage Platform version 5 (Tizen 3) as well as support for the Tripleplay Interactive IPTV Portal for the Samsung HF series Hospitality Smart TV.

AVNU PF Series is a range of tablet and touch displays powered by the BrightSign Built-in module. These models range from 10” up to 32” and come in both standard and interactive touch formats. Tripleplay can deliver both digital signage and IPTV to these devices. Samsung Smart Signage Platform v5 is the latest model of the digital signage device, which Tripleplay delivers IPTV with digital signage to using Lynk DRM encryption and without an external media player or set top box. Samsung HF Series Hospitality Smart TV is the latest model of Samsung smart TV aimed at the hotel and accommodation sector and can be used to deliver Tripleplay’s Interactive IPTV Portal solution without the need for a media player or set top box.

Caveman 1.1 has now been released and is available to new and existing clients – more specifics are here.

DSS Europe focuses on a conference theme of ‘Digital Storytelling – Changing the Narrative with Digital Signage.’ The two-day event will explore how digital storytelling and digital touchpoints are adding value through improving customer engagement and bridging the online and offline worlds.

DSS Europe takes place on 4-5 July, 2018 at the Sheraton Hotel, Frankfurt Airport, Germany. This will be the first time DSS Europe will be staged in a city other than in its long-term Munich base. The event is a joint venture between Integrated Systems Events, producers of the Integrated Systems Europe exhibition, and invidis consulting, a leading German digital signage consultancy.

Florian Rotberg, Managing Director, invidis consulting commented: “This year’s DSS Europe will explore how the latest digital signage technologies and business strategies are invigorating the retail sector and also how these are being absorbed by other market sectors where ‘story telling’ and clear communications are key parts of their offerings. We will have two days of panels, presentations, awards and numerous networking opportunities. DSS Europe will be the place to learn, do business and to have some fun!”

Mike Blackman, Managing Director, Integrated Systems Events commented: “Each year DSS Europe delivers exclusive thought leadership and a unique business roadmap of the digital signage market. Plus, it offers a unique showcase of the latest technologies and solutions from both established market leaders and exciting start-ups. It’s a compelling combination.”

Digital Storytelling – Changing the Narrative with Digital Signage:

Today’s consumers live in an experience-driven society. Digital pioneers like Amazon are continuously raising the bar in functionality with virtually unlimited space and product ranges, personalised services and ever faster delivery. In response, the offline world, across all platforms, is focusing on real life experiences. Digital touchpoints are an essential part of the customer journey and connect the online and offline experience.

Confirmed Keynote Speakers include:

• Raphael Gielgen, Trendscout, Vitra
• Richard Offermann, Managing Director Client Sales, Ströer
• Thomas Koch, Managing Partner, TKD Media
• Michael Schneider, Senior Experience Designer, AV Technical Strategist, ESI Design
• Florian Rotberg, Managing Director, invidis consultingStefan Schieker, Managing Director, ResultMC

Additionally, there will be the addition of new ‘hands-on’ workshops which will cover a range of topics including:

• Delivering Experiences
• Digital Signage and ROIScent, Sound and Lighting
• Artificial Intelligence

For DSS Europe 2018, over 500 delegates are expected to attend. Typically, these consist of: integrators, hardware and software manufacturers, end customers, agencies, network operators and marketers. Due to the expanded content reach of this year’s event, DSS Europe will also be targeting architects, shop fitters and retail experts.

Running parallel to the conference, an exhibition takes place on both days with more than 30 leading Digital Signage companies showcasing their technologies and solutions. In addition to Digital Signage market leaders Samsung, NEC and LG, there will a number of specialist solutions providers present. These include: Dynascan, which offers light-intense high brightness displays; iiyama, which specialises in touchscreens; and imaging expert Epson. Plus, attendees can experience first time exhibitors such as media furniture provider, VCM Morgenthaler.

Confirmed exhibitors for DSS Europe are: Samsung, NEC, DynaScan, iiyama, Sharp, Navori, BenQ, Epson, Hagor, Peerless-AV, Lindy, VCM Morgenthaler, Concept, Stino and Matrox.

The DSS Europe conference ticket allows access on both days to the conference and exhibition area, as well as to the evening event on 4 July. Included in the conference ticket price are all beverages, lunch on both days and food and beverages at the evening event.

Conference tickets are available until 30 April with an Early Bird Discount of 35% (€448.50 plus VAT). The standard ticket price is €690 (plus VAT). Information and registration for the event is here.

The cover, a diamond knit weave fabric, is washable, breathable and lightweight for easy install. The steel frame ends curve toward the display, minimizing any visible gap between the display and cover. All covers come with locking interfaces for safety and security.

The Fusion Universal Back Covers come in five sizes supporting single, dual or triple-display applications with coverage ranging from 36 – 48”, 74 – 98” and 118 -142” (91 – 122 mm, 188 – 249 mm and 300 – 361 mm) wide. The covers ship complete with frame and fabric as one unit.

The Fusion Universal Back Covers will be on display at InfoComm in booth C3683. You can see them here.

By increasing the wire gauge slightly from stranded 36AWG to solid 32 AWG, Tributaries UHDS are all now able to support 18Gbps passively from ½ meter through 2 meters while maintaining a slim flexible design. Why is passive such a big deal? In addition to incompatibility issues with other electronics, active cables are directional and will not work if reversed. The active end of the cable must be connected to the display and requires power to supply the on-board electronics; typically, these cables harvest their power from unused TMDS voltages. This method works well as long as the source which drives the 5V line has an adequate output. If the source voltage is too low, it will draw down the vital 5-volt line.

Passive cables are bi-directional and voltage agnostic, making any installation simpler and more stable. Increasing the wire gauge resulted in a minor cable O.D. increase of less than 1mm maintaining the cable’s slim profile. Ideal for rack systems where multiple cables are bundled and dressed and installations where flexibility and a minimum bend radius is required the UHDS fulfills the promise of ease of installation.

The new improved UHDS Slim are available now in 1/2 meter, 1 meter, 1.5 meter and 2 meter, which replace the original models. The 3-meter and 4-meter lengths have been discontinued. More information is here.

Christie is expanding its Extreme Series lineup of high-performance LCD displays with the introduction of the FHD493-XE 49-inch extremely narrow bezel display. Featuring a 1.8mm combined bezel width, panel matching and Christie Phoenix EP compatibility, the FHD493-XE is designed for 24/7 applications.

Panel matching for color and brightness means that each panel comes pre-calibrated so that when used in video wall applications they stay on the same color-scale. Integrated electronics support video wall scaling up to a 10×10 configuration and 4K multi-stream transport across up to four panels is also built-in. Additionally, Smart Light Control automatically adjusts the brightness of each panel across the video wall for uniformity and consistent performance for the life of the video wall.

The Christie FHD493-XE is compatible with the Christie Phoenix EP, an embedded processing solution, via an OPS slot. The Christie Phoenix EP installs directly into the FHD493-XE to process network sources, decode and manage video and data sources on multiple Christie panels.

The FDH493-XE meets ADA depth requirements with a Christie ML20 mount making it ideal for video walls in public spaces or where space is limited.

Here are all the specs.

Vivitek has launched a new Novo Wireless Presentation System aimed at small to medium-sized business like cafes, beauty salons, garages, small retailers and even office reception areas. Vivitek’s new NovoDSmini digital signage solution can be connected to any display device with HDMI. Like Vivitek’s existing NovoDS solutions, the NovoDSmini benefits from NovoDS Studio, the simple to use playlist editing and device management software. Users do not need any programming skills to create digital signage to capture their customers’ attention in any environment. The NovoDSmini can play content ranging from text, audio, photos, videos, webpages, YouTube, Twitter and weather updates. The 36 pre-arranged templates allow users to easily create information about an SME’s services or offers. 

NovoDS Studio software helps to effortlessly create digital signage. Its multi-page-playlist editing and scheduling flexibility — by hour, day, week or month — means SMEs can use the product to deliver relevant messages over their chosen time-frame, without having to frequently update content manually. For instance, a cafeteria can program the NovoDSmini to display the breakfast options from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., the lunch options from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., followed by dinner specials from 5 p.m. on. This dynamic content creates far more impact on audiences than just showing and repeating one playlist. Furthermore, images are displayed in Full-HD 1080p, NovoDSmini ensures that the content displayed is eye-catching, even in smaller areas.

For shop owners with multiple digital signage screens to manage, NovoDSmini also provides a centralized device management function to enable users to control all of the NovoDS devices on the network. This ensures that SMEs are kept productive and focused on their task at hand, rather than spending time on managing digital signage devices. Users can monitor the device or devices’ status easily and they can update all the devices’ content at once, or separate them into groups and assign different schedules per group, according to the content, venue and the time it is due to be displayed. Users also have the option to synchronize content over selected devices, to create a stunning effect across multiple signage displays.

The U.S. launch will happen at InfoComm but today was all about EMEA. The NovoDSmini is £229 ex VAT and here are the stats.

NoviSign’s digital signage software integration with the SHARP PN-B and PN-M Professional Display series enables business, organizations, and integrators of any size the ability to remotely design, update and manage digital signage content from any computer at any time.

NoviSign’s Digital Signage Software integration with the SHARP PN-B and PN-M Professional Display Series opens the door to new advancements practicality and innovation:

• All-In-One: full access to NoviSign’s cloud-based online Studio editor, drag & drop widgets, dynamic content scheduling, media performance statistics, analytics dashboard, player status reporting and multi-user admin control
• Cloud-Based: no on-premise server’s, no complicated software installations, no intricate IT support
• Online Studio Editor: world’s easiest-to-use design tool for quickly creating and managing content
• Live Widgets: RSS, YouTube, Ustream, web pages and web images
• Media Widgets: photos, slideshow, videos and FTP
• Essential Widgets: scrolling tickers, text, shapes, weather and clock
• Fun Widgets: games, polls, countdowns, virtual queue and touch screen
• Social Widgets: Facebook, Instagram, Yammer, Twitter
• Dynamic Content Scheduling: day w/time, dayparting, recurring dates, trigger events and more
• Media Performance: proof-of-play, media statistics, user audits, exposure times and more
• Player Reports: online connectivity, total play times, screen availability and more
• Professional Templates: full library of premium templates that can be edited and customized
• White label reseller: completely unbranded white label website with wholesale license pricing

NoviSign is here and and Sharp is here.

The projector features a 1-chip DLP that produces 10,000 lumens and a viewable resolution of 3840×2160 and claims 20,000 hours of near maintenance-free performance with a sealed optical engine for low maintenance and low TCO. Additional features:

• Interchangeable lenses provides installation flexibility and ease of replacement
• Dual HDMI (HDCP v2.2), Dual DisplayPort, HDBaseT, Quad 3G SDI for support of native 4K sources
• Powered focus, zoom and lens shift allows for installation flexibility
• Edge blending, stacking, geometric correction and mapping capabilities to create images on alternative surfaces
• Cornerstone and geometric correction, which ensures an accurately portrayed image no matter where the projector is placed or what shape it’s projecting onto
• Roll free for dynamic installations and presentations
• 4K 60Hz support on HDMI, DP and HDBaseT inputs for connection to multiple 4K sources

The PX1005QL will be available for $24,000. Here are all the specs.

Extron just announced the TLS 725M, TLS 1022M, and TLS 1022T room scheduling panels. These join the TLS 520M that has been available for a few months now. The new TLS family of TouchLink Scheduling panels are designed to help ease integration and provide customers with powerful, dedicated panels for all their meeting space reservation needs. Right out of the box, TLS panels are ready to be customized with free Room Agent software and then connect directly to Microsoft Exchange, Office 365, and Google Calendar without the need for additional scheduling software or external processors. Users can make reservations directly from these panels, a computer, or any smartphone or tablet that connects to any one of the supported mail servers. Bright red and green LED light bars makes it easy to see if a room is occupied or available even from down the hall. New room scheduling analytics provide the information customers need to closely analyze room usage, activity patterns, and occupancy trends across the organization.

All TLS panels are configured with Extron Room Agent software. Simply connect the touchpanel to your computer, open the free Room Agent software, fill in the required fields to compose the user interface, and you’re done. Customization options include custom colors and background images, interface text fields to be shown or hidden, depending on user preference. TLS panels equipped with a digital input will work with just about any occupancy sensor, including the Extron OCS 100 series, which monitor room occupancy and, after a user-defined time, release the room back to available status.

Here are the details.

The DM Lite product line currently consists of six transmitters and four receivers, any of which can be mixed and matched. Additionally, they can be paired with Crestron extenders with HDMI connectivity (HD-MD-400-C-E and HD-MD-300-C-E). DM Lite transmitters include a USB port to power multi-head or active cables. DM Lite transmitters and receivers are available with and without COM/IR/CEC pass-through.

Here are all the specs.

Stream live TV around your digital signage content using NoviSign’s digital signage software and LG’s webOS SoC platform. NoviSign announced today that its cloud-based digital signage software has been tested and verified for compatibility with LG Electronics’ webOS for Signage system-on-a-chip (SoC) digital signage platform.

Comprised of a full online Studio, drag and drop widgets, rich scheduling tab, dynamic reports and status dashboard, NoviSign Digital Signage Software is designed to simplify signage integration.

With the completion of phase 1 testing, users can now use NoviSign’s digital signage solution to remotely design, update and manage digital signage content for webOS-enabled LG commercial displays from any computer at any time.

Want more details? Go here.

At InfoComm 2018, Carousel Digital Signage, a division of Tightrope Media Systems, will emphasize the systems integration and IT management benefits of its new 7.3 software release for enterprise-class digital signage. The demonstrations will bring the cost and labor-reducing value proposition of Carousel Digital Signage to the forefront for systems integrators, consultants and dealers/distributors tasked with deploying, scaling and maintaining expansive digital signage networks.

Since first partnering with BrightSign several years ago, the Carousel Digital Signage team has focused on reducing the amount of time and labor required to configure, deploy and manage players across large corporate, higher education and other enterprise networks. The new 7.3 software release further strengthens the “zero-touch approach” of BrightSign player management introduced in Q1’s Carousel 7.1 release. Key auto-provisioning benefits include:

• Automatic, high-speed configuration of all BrightSign players, which removes the need to write SD cards for each player on the network
• Secure storage of player settings on the Carousel server, accelerating recall of players by serial number for management and troubleshooting
• Remote adjustment of settings and firmware updates by player, group, or enterprise-wide – all accomplished through Carousel’s responsive user interface
• Apple TV Management and Control

Carousel last year announced a new initiative to commission Apple TV consumer devices as media players for less expansive networks, where smaller IT departments are more typically tasked with managing their signage networks. First introduced for K-12 schools in a partnership with Jamf, a device management provider that specializes in helping IT departments work with Apple computers and devices, initial rollouts have since proven that the cost and simplicity of such deployments also translate to multi-site networks. This gives Carousel customers another cost and labor-efficient option for enterprise-scale content playout.

Carousel Digital Signage more recently developed a tvOS app to help AV integrators and IT departments streamline the configuration and deployment of Apple TV devices as digital signage players. The app even offers advanced management features, including manual disabling of AirPlay to prioritize delivery of important messages, such as weather or security bulletins.

Carousel is here.

DPAA announced today that MediaMath has joined its membership ranks. MediaMath delivers products and services that make the digital world better by enabling the delivery of transparent and engaging advertising across all digital touch points.

MediaMath is known for its pioneering work around transparency, and for championing the movement to revolutionize traditional marketing by delighting consumers with relevant advertising. The company works with both brands and agencies to power digital advertising across all digital touchpoints.

DPAA is a global, digital out-of-home marketing association that has created a strong community environment in which members drive and promote their digital capabilities.

To deliver on their promise of “Digital Out of Home Everything,” DPAA functions as a business accelerator and concierge/consultant for members. Membership in the DPAA community brings many benefits, including admission to quarterly “mini summit” meetings with ad industry and DOOH leaders; access to curated VIP tours and meetings at CES and Cannes Lions; an extensive database of research, best practices and case studies; tools for planning, training and forecasting; social media amplification; publication discounts; an opportunity to participate in media partnerships; insights on software and hardware solutions; further integration into the advertising ecosystem as part of the video everywhere conversation and marketing campaign; and more.

MediaMath is here.

Arista Corporation announces the RS-123 Rack Mount Extender / Computer. Designed as a 19-inch, 1RU rack mount chassis that can house two inter-connected modules, the RS-123 is a versatile solution to the challenges of displaying digital signage over considerable distance.

The RS-123 is available in two configurations: transmitter and receiver. The signal transmitter configuration combines the Arista ARD-1006-A07-TX transmitter with the company’s MicroBox-1100A-E01 computer module. With the HDBaseT 2.0 transmitter and computer installed in the RS-123 chassis, the computer display can be extended up to 330 feet away. The ARD-1006-A31-TX AV over IP transmitter and the MicroBox-1100A-E01 computer can be used to switch the computer display to different LCD monitors. If a distance greater than 330 feet is required, the ARD-1006-B31-TX transmitter module with an optical fiber interface can be installed in the RS-123 chassis as an option in leu of the ARD-1006-A31-TX.

For the receiver configuration, the RS-123 configuration combines the Arista ARD-1006-A07-RX receiver with the company’s AMP-1006-S04 splitter module. With the HDBaseT 2.0 receiver and splitter installed in the RS-123, the system provides the ability to display a remote video signal to multiple LCD monitors. If the ability to display a selected video source from among multiple video sources onto multiple LCD monitors is required, the RS-123 chassis can be configured with the ARD-1006-A31-RX AV over IP receiver and the AMP-1006-S04 splitter module. If a distance greater than 330 feet is required, the RS-123 chassis can be outfitted with Arista’s ARD-1006-B31-RX receiver module with fiber interface in lieu of the ARD-1006-A31-RX. The AMP-1006-S04-SDI optional module is available when connecting to multiple SDI monitors is needed.

The Arista RS-123 Rack Mount HDBaseT Extender / Computer chassis carries an MSRP starting from $600. All products are expected to be available Q3 2018.

Arista is here.